Clarence "Pete" Winegardner

Mecca - Clarence “Pete” E. Winegardner Jr., of Mecca, age 99, died on May 21, 2024.

He was born on May 4, 1925, to the late Clarence E. and June Miller Winegardner, at his family’s home in Fishertown, PA. He graduated from East Saint Clairsville High School in 1943. Pete played in the Fishertown Community Band, together with his father and younger sister, Doris Winegardner Oldham, and met his soon-to-be wife at band practice. On September 30, 1945, he married Dolly Stine Winegardner. They were together for 56 years until her death on September 19, 2001, and raised their only child, Doris Marie Winegardner Vine, in Claysburg, PA.

Pete drove apple trucks, school buses, and loads of coal before working with the Highway Department out of Holidaysburg, PA. He accepted a job at General Refractory in 1963, and the family moved to Champion, Ohio. He retired in 1988, and Pete and Dolly moved to Mecca to live next door to their daughter and her family. He enjoyed many years of gardening, woodworking, fishing, birdwatching, and spoiling a number of much-loved dogs.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, dear members of his extended family, and many friends. Memories of his long life will be treasured by his surviving family: sister Doris of Fishertown, PA; daughter and son-in-law Doris Marie and William Vine of Mecca, OH; grandson Scott Vine (Karen Bousquet) of Lancaster, PA, and great-grandson Alex Vine of Norfolk, VA; and granddaughter Sarah Vine (Mark Snyder) and great-granddaughters Colleen and Barbara Vine of Pittsburgh, PA.

Pete attended church faithfully for the first 98 years of his life, first at the Fishertown Friends Meeting and, over the years, at the Claysburg Church of the Brethren; the Bristolville (OH) Church of the Brethren; Covenant Presbyterian Church in Warren, OH; Otterbein United Methodist Church in Champion; and most recently at Cortland (OH) United Methodist Church. Although his health finally kept him at home in recent months, many people will remember him for his colorful suit jackets and warm welcome.

The family would like to thank Gillette Nursing Home and Akeso Hospice for the care  they provided.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations be made to Cortland United Methodist Church,  155 N High Street, Cortland, OH 44410.

Calling hours will be held this Friday, May 24, at Lane Family Funeral Homes Shafer-Winans Chapel, 164 N. High Street in Cortland starting at 10:00 a.m. At noon, Pastors Joan Purnell and Jonathan Williams will lead a funeral service at the funeral home, with burial to follow at the West Mecca Cemetery.

Family and friends may send their heartfelt condolences by visiting www.lanefuneralhomes.com