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Vance Clelan Obituary
Jun 2, 1924 - Mar 7, 2026
CARLISLE - Vance W. Clelan, 101, of Carlisle, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at his home. He was born on June 2, 1924, in Landisburg, Perry County and was a son of the late Raymond Earl Clelan and Nellie (Fry) Clelan. He was married to Jean (Ruhl) Clelan who passed away on July 4, 1982.
Vance graduated from Landisburg High School in 1942. He was inducted into the U. S. Army May 26, 1943, and was honorably discharged Dec. 22, 1945. Vance took part in several battles, including Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes, and Central Europe. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, the European African Middle Eastern Theater Medal with 5 Bronze Stars and the Victory Medal.
Vance enjoyed fixing things and was a self-employed automobile mechanic all his life. He and his late brother, Raymond, operated Clelan Brothers Automotive Repair in Carlisle for many years.
Vance was a member of McClure's Gap Church of God in Newville, and a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Moose and the Minnequa Social Club.
He is survived by one daughter, Terri Lee Clelan, of Landisburg; one grandson, Jason Baker of Landisburg; his companion of 42 years, Mary Strange of Carlisle; three sisters, Vonny Harrington of Boise, Idaho, Doris Sollenberger of Craig, Colo., and Vera Shughart of Florence, Mont. He was preceded in death by brothers, Raymond Clelan, Jr. and Bruce Clelan, and one sister, Ruby Fitting.
A memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to McClure's Gap Church of God, 130 Church of God Rd, Newville, PA 17241. www.EwingBrothers.com.
Memories and Condolences
for Vance Clelan
Sponsored by Ewing Brothers Funeral Home.
5 Entries
Carolyn Earnest Frey
Yesterday
So sorry to hear of your Dad´s passing!! My Deepest condolences to your family
Deborah Nickey
March 15, 2026
Sorry for your loss. He led a very long good life . He was a good freind of my pap Pat Dougherty when I was growing up. He always took car of my car in my young years . He was such a nice man .
Carole Shutty
March 15, 2026
I don't know him. But he sounds like a great man. I'm sorry for your loss.
Terri Clelan
March 13, 2026
He was the best dad and grandpa and we will miss him
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larry clapsadl
March 13, 2026
sad to hear of Vance's death. He was our school bus driver and took care of our autos for many years. He was a really good man and we could use more of his kind. Sympathy to his family. Larry Clapsadllarry clapsadl
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Ewing Brothers Funeral Home630 South Hanover Street, Carlisle, PA 17013
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Carlisle, PA
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