Donald C. Clingensmith

Donald C. Clingensmith, 86, of Connoquenessing, formerly of Chicora, a retired Mars area high school teacher, went to be with the Lord Wednesday morning at the Hall of Honor at the Community Living Center at the VA Medical Center in Butler.
Donald was born in Butler on July 6, 1930. He was the son of the late Charles J. and D. Maxine Craig Clingensmith.
He was a 1948 graduate of Chicora High School and was class president. At Chicora High School, Don played both basketball and baseball. Don graduated from Slippery Rock State College, earning a bachelor of science in education in three years, with a major in mathematics and a minor in physical science. He was a member of the veteran's alumni and had served as president of the group.
He continued his education at Geneva College, Penn State, the University of Pittsburgh and Butler County Community College.
Don was a longtime active member of the Connoquenessing United Methodist Church, where he served on the church board. Don was a member of the pastor parish relations committee and the financial committee and had served both as chairman.
Don was a U.S. Navy veteran attaining the rank of commisaryman petty officer second class while serving during the Korean War.
In his earlier years, Don was employed as a meat cutter for Friedman's and managed the meat department for Kroger's in Zelienople. In his younger years, Don enjoyed golfing, playing ball and hunting. Later in life he enjoyed gardening and working in his small orchard.
Don taught mathematics at Mars Area High School for 30 years and retired in 1991. He was a longtime member of the PSEA.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia A. Schrecengost Clingensmith, whom he married at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Butler on Dec. 20, 1969. Also surviving are a brother, William L. Clingensmith of Chicora; a sister and brother-in-law, Dorothy and Michael Daniels of Ormond Beach, Fla.; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Ronald and Diane Schrecengost of Corry; as well as a number of nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Alice Bacher; as well as a number of brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
CLINGENSMITH - A private visitation, committal and entombment with military honors provided by the Chicora American Legion will take place Saturday at Butler County Memorial Park with the Rev. Bonnie Rupp, pastor of Connoquenessing United Methodist Church, officiating.
Friends of Donald C. Clingensmith, who died Wednesday, June 14, 2017, may call 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., Saturday, July 8, at the Connoquenessing United Methodist Church where a celebration of life service will follow at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Bonnie Rupp, church pastor, officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Connoquenessing United Methodist Church, 206 Main St., Connoquenessing, PA 16027, or the Butler County Humane Society, 1015 Evans City Road, Renfrew, PA 16053.
Arrangements are under the direction of Hile Funeral Home of Chicora.
Condolences may be sent by visiting www.hilefh.com.