Clarence W. Newcomer

Clarence W. Newcomer of Conway, SC, formerly of Manheim, PA, died Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at the young age of 99. Born October 26, 1926, in Manheim, he was the son of the late Clarence and Sarah (Miller) Newcomer and graduated from Manheim High School in 1944. Clarence retired from Warner-Lambert as a salesman for the American Chicle Company.

Clarence was the husband of the late Mildred S. Pierce Heagy Newcomer to whom he was married for 45 years. He is survived by his loving partner of 16 years, Betty Alexakos, of Conway, SC, his son, Douglas W. Newcomer (Linda) of Lititz, and his step-daughter, Janet H. Wimer, of Wernersville, along with 10 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and 16 great-great-grandchildren. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a step-son, Frederick A. Heagy, step-daughter, Joan L. Stasko, and two brothers, Warren and Jesse Newcomer.

Clarence served in the U.S. Merchant Marines during WWII from 1944 to 1947. He also served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean conflict from 1950 to 1952. As a Merchant Mariner during WWII, Clarence made 9 crossings of the Atlantic on Troop ships and Liberty ships, carrying much needed troops and supplies to Europe. He was very involved in the formation of the Susquehanna Valley Mariners Chapter and worked tirelessly for decades to push for Merchant Marines to get their discharge papers to receive medical benefits. Clarence was instrumental in having the Merchant Marines be a permanent part of the Manheim Veterans Memorial and he raised the Merchant Marine flag at the dedication ceremony on November 11, 2023, at the age of 97.

He was a life member of the following organizations: U.S. Merchant Marine Veterans WWII, John W. Brown Project Liberty Ship, Navy Club of Lancaster, American Legion Post 0419, VFW Post 5956 and Manheim Historical Society. Clarence was the acting President of the John T Schmidt Merchant Marine Chapter, Myrtle Beach, SC, until the time of his death.

Clarence loved to cook, helping out at his mother’s restaurant in their home. He loved to drive, traveling across the United States with Mildred and then later to Alaska by himself. And he loved the sea, setting sail on the Queen Elizabeth II going around the world in 2006. He was a dedicated volunteer at all the organizations he helped including: Lancaster Cleft Palate, Susquehanna Association for the Blind, Myrtle Beach Community Kitchen and Neighbor to Neighbor South Carolina. During his 4 ½ years at Brookdale Conway, he helped to call bingo, organize card games, be the resident ambassador and serve as the head of the Resident Council. Clarence’s motto was STAY ACTIVE!

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a time of reflection and remembrance at the Buch Funeral Home, 21 Market Square, Manheim, on Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 12 Noon. There will be a public viewing at the funeral home from 11:00 AM until the time of the service. Interment with military honors will be in Manheim Fairview Cemetery. Please omit flowers. Memorial contribution may be sent to Brookdale Conway Staff Fund, 872 Singleton Ridge Road, Conway, SC, 29526 or Community Kitchen of Myrtle Beach, 1410 Mr. Joe White Avenue, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577.