Obituaries

Clayton H. Gantz, Sr., 90

August 17, 2019

Clayton H. Gantz, Sr., 90 years, 1 month of Conestoga, PA passed away on Saturday, August 17, 2019 at the Lebanon VA Hospital Hospice Care Unit, after a brief battle with cancer. Born July 17, 1929 he was the last surviving child of the late Elmer A. and Minnie I. (Denlinger) Gantz. He was preceded in death by his 3 brothers, William “Bud” Gantz, Raymond “Dick” Gantz, Lloyd Gantz and a sister Mabel Eckman.

Clayton loved his country and proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Upon his return home, he made a career being a carpenter and hand built his own home in 1967. In 1991 he retired from Amtrak and followed his dream of moving to his cabin in East Waterford, Juniata County. He had a passion for the outdoors, he was an avid hunter and fisherman. Clayton was a founding member of the Safe Harbor Hunting Club, Clinton County, in which he belonged for more than 68 years. He enjoyed watching his Philadelphia sports teams, checking on his bird feeders and in recent years, spending time with his furry companion, Vegas who he lovingly referred to as “Poochie”. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion and VFW and spent many years volunteering his time to better the lives of other veterans. Clayton was a master of all trades, if he didn’t know how to fix it, he would find a way to make it work. He was a simple man, who lived a simple life and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Surviving are his 3 daughters, Leslie A. Erisman, wife of Robert, Ephrata, Sharon B. Fisher, wife of Robert, Lititz, Debora L. Barsis wife of Rudy, Claysville and 1 son Clayton H. Gantz Jr. husband of Linda, Jordan, AR; 6 grandchildren, 1 step-grandchild and 6 great grandchildren.

A viewing will take place from 11-11:30 AM in the Chapel at the Mausoleum at Conestoga Memorial Park, 95 2nd Lock Rd, Lancaster, PA 17603 with a Military Funeral Service to follow on Friday, August 23, 2019. Memorial Remembrances can be made in Clayton’s name to American Legion Post 34, 1388 Arcadia Rd Lancaster Pa 17601. Arrangements entrusted to Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543. 717-560-5100

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Condolences to the Family

August 23, 2019

Leslie, Sharon, Debora and Clayton,
My sympathy to you all. When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. I remember spending many days/weekends with your family at your house up on the hill along the Conestoga river. I thought your house was so cute with the upstairs bedrooms for the girls. I remember the long driveway uphill, the surrounding woods, the chickens, going to the store (I think on Saturdays), coming home and having ham & cheese sandwiches, celebrating birthdays with the best chocolate cake ever(I cant believe I didnt get the recipie). I remember your Dad sitting in the living room watching TV after working hard. I’m glad you had many years together to make memories, may they comfort you at this time.
Sharon

August 23, 2019

Sharon and family,we are so sorry for your loss, I will keep you and yours in our prayers and you have our greatest sympathy through this time…always hard.
Donna Shaak

August 21, 2019

Thank you for your service. I am Korean and I thank you for your courage and your service. You are a hero!
Will

August 21, 2019

Thank you for fighting for Korea.You are a Korean hero. I’ll always be grateful. May he rest in peace

August 20, 2019

Sharon, My sincere sympathy to you and your family. Your father sounds like an amazing man and left quite a legacy. I pray you and your family find comfort in the memories you have of a life well lived! Joan Clawser

August 20, 2019

Sharon:
Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kathleen Bracale

Visitation: Friday, August 23, 2019; 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM; Mausoleum at Conestoga Memorial Park; 95 Second Lock Road; Lancaster, PA
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