Fred Merle Traister, 92, of Clarion, died on Friday, August 16, 2013 at the Golden Living Center in Clarion after a short illness.
He was born on December 17, 1920 in South Bethlehem PA, the son of Orla Traister and Gertrude Wadding. He was married on September 21, 1942 to Betty L. Matthews, who preceded him in death on March 1, 1990. Fred then married Phyllis Clark on March 6, 1993. She survives.
Fred and his first wife, Betty, owned and operated the Clarion Frozen Food Locker, faithfully serving the local community for 29 years and then retiring. Fred loved fishing and hunting, carpentry and woodworking. He enjoyed “Painting with Bob Ross,” making clocks and candle sconces. Over his long life, he was always available to help his family and friends with any building or construction projects.
Fred was a long-time member of the Liberty Street Church of God in Clarion, serving God and the church in many ways. He was looking forward to seeing the new Trinity Point Church of God being built.
In addition to his wife Phyllis, he is survived by three children, Robert Traister of Rochester, NY, Diane (Jerry) Conner of Sligo, and Bonnie (Joe) Ferguson of Limestone. Also surviving are five grandchildren, Matthew, Scott (Mandy), and Daniel Conner, Joseph James (Samantha), and David (Kalee) Ferguson. He has four great-grandchildren, Jacob Conner, Ethan, Layla, and Hayden Ferguson, and one brother, Charles Traister of Tucson, AZ who survive. He has four step-children, Greg Clark, Mark Clark, JoAnn (Jim) Switzer, and Kathy (Bill) Thompson, 13 step-grandchildren and 13 step-great-grandchildren.
Fred was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, a granddaughter, Sarah Beth Ferguson, three sisters, Alice Smith, Kathryn Glasser, and Emma Traister, and one brother, Bill Traister.
Visitation will be held from 10-11a.m. on Tuesday, August 20 at the Liberty Street Church of God in Clarion. Funeral services will follow at 11:00a.m. at the church with Pastor Bruce Wilson officiating. Interment will be in Cedarview Memorial Park in Strattanville.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Liberty Street Church of God Building Fund, 240 West Liberty Street, Clarion PA 16214.
Arrangements are under the care of the Goble Funeral Home & Crematory, 330 Wood Street, Clarion, PA. Friends and family can leave online condolences, share memories, and obtain additional information by visiting the funeral home website at www.goblefh.net.