Connell E. Stauffer

March 21, 1927 - July 21, 2014

Connell E. Stauffer, 87, of Clarion, peacefully passed away on Monday, July 21, 2014, after a lengthy illness of Lewy Body disease (Parkinson’s with dementia).    Born on March 21, 1927, in Sligo, to Clarence and Alberta Davis Stauffer, who later moved to Reidsburg, where he farmed with his brother, John, and father for many years.    Connell married Lucille Jeannerette, of Shippenville, in September 1952.  They have been married for 61 years.    Connell served his country by entering the armed forces serving in the Korean War as a corporal in the Army for two years.  Returning home, he and his wife lived on a farm, which is now the Clarion Oaks Golf Course/Clarion Mall area, and went into the dairy business with his father and brother, John.  Years later, they bought a farm, now known as C&A Trees, and lived there for 32 years raising two daughters, Victoria and Sherry.    Connell was an avid horseman, raising quarter horses after being in the beef cattle business.  His special beloved horse, Buddy, was his favorite who lived to be 30 years old.  Connell and his golden palomino stallion are still remembered by many in the local parades and horseshows in surrounding towns receiving many trophies in the 50’s and 60’s.  Connell also worked for the Owens-Illinois Glass plant retiring in 1992 after 33 years.  Connell and Lucy moved to Clarion where they enjoyed retirement, their wonderful neighbors, and doing their many hobbies such as refinishing furniture and making miniature wooden items.  Connell was of the Methodist faith, having gone to the Monroe Chapel in Sligo for many years.  He had a deep faith and love for the Lord.    He is survived by his wife, Lucille; daughter and son-in-law, Victoria and Theodore Saylor of Rimersburg, and daughter and son-in-law, Sherry and Kenneth Connor of Vienna, VA; three grandchildren, Bryan Blair of Union City, Robert Blair and his loving, Nichole Hawk, of Waterford, and Tonya (Blair) Van Tassel and husband, Sheldon, of Oil City;  three step-grandchildren, Brent Saylor and wife, Betsy (Smith), of Rimersburg, Selena (Saylor) Josenberger of Fort Smith, AR, and Tiffanie (Saylor) Shirey and husband, Jason, of Distant; and 16 great-grandchildren.   Also surviving are two sisters, Delores Grant of Reidsburg and Betty Yough and husband, James, of Saxonburg; brother, Dick Davis of Sligo; sister-in-law, Donna Stauffer of Dubois; and many nieces and nephews.    He was preceded in death by his beloved brothers, John Stauffer and Dean Davis; sister, Irene Astor; niece, Carrie Sue (Grant) Devine; and nephew, Jack Grant.   His family is grateful and overwhelmed by the support and shared affection for Connell, which has been a source of great strength in helping to cope with our sad loss.   Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, July 24, 2014, at the Robert V. Burns Funeral Home, 638 Wood Street, Clarion.   Military honors will be at 10:45 a.m. on Friday, July 25, 2014, by American Legion Post 66.   Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 25, 2014, at the funeral home with Pastor Randy Evans, Clarion Forest VNA Hospice Chaplain, officiating.   Interment will be in the Cedarview Memorial Park in Strattanville.   In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Clarion Forest VNA Hospice, 271 Perkins Road, Clarion PA 16214. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, July 24, 2014, at the Robert V. Burns Funeral Home, 638 Wood Street, Clarion.   Military honors will be at 10:45 a.m. on Friday, July 25, 2014, by American Legion Post 66.   Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 25, 2014, at the funeral home.