Clayton Eugene Ness

Clayton Eugene Ness, 93, of York, PA, passed away peacefully at York Hospital on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, following a brief illness.

"Gene" was born in York, PA on January 9, 1933, and was the son of the late Howard and Ruth (Klinedinst) Ness. He attended West York High School, graduating in 1950.

After serving 4, years in the U.S. Air Force, Gene started a career path that took him around the world.

Working for P.H. Glatfelter, Alloy Rod, Allis Chalmers and Caterpillar. A machinist by trade and becoming a self-taught engineer, he retired from Caterpillar in 1995 after 30 years of service.

Ever the handyman, he helped to build the house in which he raised his family. Hard work was a lifestyle.

There were lawns to be mowed, driveways to be shoveled and projects to be completed. There was literally nothing he couldn't build or fix.

Sports played an important role in Gene's life. Baseball was his first love, playing for Lincolnway as a youngster, for the Air Force while serving and for Shiloh and Stoverstown in the Central League as an adult. He dedicated much of his life to coaching, mentoring and organizing youth sports in York County.

As a past President of the West York Boys Club, the Director of the PA American Legion Baseball Section 4 and the President of the Central Penn Midget Football League, he was inducted into the PA American Legion Baseball Hall of Fame in 1995.

He will be remembered for his unwavering love, his generosity toward others and the stories he shared with whomever would listen. A life well-lived. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Gene is survived by a daughter, Kimberly Ness of York, PA, a son, Kevin Ness along with his wife, Margaret Ness of Lancaster, PA and two grandchildren, Dr. Abigail Ness of Philadelphia, PA and Jordan Ness of Brooklyn, NY. He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Joyce (Krebs) Ness, a brother, Howard Ness, Jr., a brother, Robert Ness and a sister, Doris Weikert

Family and friends are invited to a Graveside Service, officiated by Mr. Mike Nagy, on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 2:00PM at St. Paul's Union Cemetery, at the corner of Lehman and Stoverstown Rds., in Stoverstown, PA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project by going to www.woundedwarriorproject.org

Beck Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Inc., of Spring Grove is entrusted with arrangements and condolences may be shared at www.beckfunerals.com