Francis Jacob "Jake" Worner

Francis Jacob "Jake" Worner, a man with a personality that outreached the Valley he was raised in, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family on Monday, June 2, 2025. He was 93 years old.
Born January 5, 1932, in Mansfield, Jake was the son of John and Charlotte (Snavely) Worner and was proudly raised in the Bellville Valley - a place he loved so much, he spent 90+ years there making sure no one ever forgot it. Jake was a staple of Clear Fork Valley life: part Marine, part racecar daredevil, part car salesman, part bus driver, and 100% Colts superfan.
Jake married Lois Shaffer, on October 2, 1954, and celebrated 65 years together. She preceded him in death on August 13, 2020.
Jake served in the U.S. Marine Corps until an automobile accident cut that chapter short. But that didn't slow him down. With only the use of his right hand for driving, he spent the next decade tearing up racetracks across the Midwest, winning stock car and drag races at Cordova, Mansfield, and Millersburg. His need for speed remained legendary.
Hardworking, with a handshake, and his word, Jake started out selling cars at Earl Davis Chevrolet and Weidner Pontiac before venturing out on his own. He founded Clear Fork Auto Sales and later bought and ran the Bellville Marathon Gas Station, where locals got both gas and unsolicited football commentary. Jake continued his entrepreneurial spirit through truck driving. Delivering for Gatton Packaging and farming pallets for many years.
Jake's heart, however, beat in Kelly Green. A generational supporter of Clear Fork athletics, Jake was a fixture at Colts games - filming from the press box in the '60s, managing in the '70s, (he owned the semi professional football team, the Clear Fork Wheels) and driving the team bus to away games. For over 70 years, if the Colts were playing, Jake was there - rain, shine, or snow, in full team gear, yelling encouragement just like the head coach.
Jake leaves behind a community shaped by his dedication, a family proud of his every quirk, and a bleacher seat at the Clear Fork field that might never feel the same. Known as the unofficial Mayor of Bellville. Jake often solved the world's problems with "village council" at Whitey's Barber Shop. His legacy is etched into the Valley - as loud, loving, and unapologetically Jake as ever.
Jake dedicated decades of his life as a member of the Bellville AmVets Post #43 and Bellville American Legion Post #535. Semper Fi, Jake. You've earned your rest (and the best seat in the house for Friday night lights).
He is survived by three children Kelly (Tonya) Worner, Kevin Worner, and Kennethia Brokaw; grandchildren Shon (Missy) Worner, Shannon Hawkins, Aaron (Lindsey) Brokaw, Adam (Karla) Brokaw, Andrew Brokaw, and Abby (Cody) Beacom; great grandchildren Ava and Charlotte Worner, Demari Hawkins, Brynlee, Brooklyn, and Blakely Brokaw, Jacob and Jada Brokaw, and Bryce Smith; in-laws Dixie Sargent, Carmen "Connie" (Bill) Payton, Mary Wise, Phillip "Joe" Shaffer, Helen "Punk" (Rex) Hester, Barbara Young, and Virginia Shaffer; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
Along with his parents he was preceded in death by his wife Lois Worner, brother Russel (Barbara) Worner, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Betty Miller, Kenneth Shaffer, Charlene Webb, and Maxine Stump, and Michael Young.
His family will receive friends Sunday, June 8, 2025 from 2-6 pm in the Bellville Snyder Funeral Home. Visitation will continue Monday from 10 am - 11 am in the funeral home where funeral services will begin at 11 am. Pastor Patrick Bailey and close friend Jerry Marshall will speak.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Clear Fork Athletic Boosters.
Online condolences may be made by visiting: SnyderFuneralHomes.com