John Ray Clingerman

From the young age of 4, he was raised by his grandparents, the late George and Christine Carver.

On March 7, 1959, in Elkins, he was married to Lois (Stewart) Clingerman, who survives. They had celebrated 64 years of marriage. They were the first couple to be married by the late Rev. Perry Fred Stone Sr.

Also surviving are one son, Stephen and wife, Kathy, of Morgantown; two daughters, Kimberly Urban and husband, Ryan, of Elkins, and Sherri King and husband, Danny, of Longview, Texas; 10 grandchildren, Jessica Goude (Michael), Ashley Godwin, Jennifer Kisamore (Shaun), Jonathon Clingerman (Cortney), Ann George (Dylan), Samuel Urban (Hannah), Jared King and Emily Mardian (Sean), Brandon Nicholas and Paige (Charles) Harman; 13 great-grandchildren, Kaylee Dawn Godwin, Grayson Layne Godwin, Sydney Rose, Zoe Genesis, Judah Zion and Lyric Hope Goude, Willow Grace, Aubrey Nicole and Carter Wade Kisamore, Elle Rey Mardian, Joanna Faye George and Abriel John Clingermann and Porter Driggs Harman.

Also surviving is one sister, Jean Barr and husband, Richard, of Daytona Beach, Florida; two brothers-in-law, Richard Peterson of McLean, Virginia, and Arthur Lee Stewart of Belington, West Virginia; one sister-in-law, Helena Liggett of Elkins; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by two sisters, Hattie Arbogast and Joan Peterson; three brothers-in-law, Lawrence Arbogast, Birch Hare and Barrett Liggett; one sister-in-law, Shirley Hare and a great-grandson, Micah Ray Clingerman.

John attended Elkins High School and in 1953 enlisted in the United States Air Force. He was a veteran of the Korean Conflict, having been honorably discharged in 1957.

In 1957, he began employment with the Monongahela Power Company as a crewman and truck driver. In 1962, he was promoted to crew leader, helping to build various “high lines” throughout Pocahontas, Randolph and Tucker counties. He was promoted to substation electrician in 1977. After 40 years, John chose to retire in May 1997.

After his retirement, he enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and working in his “woodworking shop” with two of his grandsons, Jon Clingerman and Sam Urban.

Friends may call from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m., Wednesday, May 3, 2023, at the Tomblyn Funeral Home in Elkins.

A funeral service will be held at noon on Thursday, May 4, 2023, from the funeral home chapel, with Rev. Brian L. Seders and Rev. Barry Moll officiating.

Interment will follow in the American Legion’s Little Arlington Cemetery at Cravensdale, where full military rites will be accorded at the grave site by members of the United States Air Force, H.W. Daniels Post 29 American Legion and Tygart Valley Post 3647 Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 315 Kerens Ave., Elkins, WV 26241 or Tyrand Cooperative Ministries, PO Box 365, Mill Creek, WV, 26280 in memory of John.

The Tomblyn Funeral Home of Elkins is in charge of the arrangements for John Ray Clingerman.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.tomblynfuneralhome.com.