Clarence M. Lerch

Clarence Martin "Red" Lerch, Jr., 77, died January 26, 2010 in his Laureldale residence.

He was married to Carol Anne (Rogers) Lerch on June 24, 1960.

Born October 16, 1932 in West Reading, he was a son of the late Clarence M., Sr. and Rose (Unger) Lerch.

Clarence was a 1950 graduate of Muhlenberg High School.

He was employed as a firefighter with the Reading Fire Department for 20 years, as Deputy Sheriff for Berks County, as Deputy Coroner with the Berks County Coroner's Office for 15 years and as a security guard at both the Berkshire and Fairgrounds Malls.

Red served in the Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict, attaining the rank of Gunnery Sergeant. He also served in the Active Reserves for 20 years.

Clarence was an officer at both the Friendship Fire Company and Oakbrook Fire Company, both in Reading.

He was also the secretary for the Volunteer Fireman's Relief Association of Reading, PA, for 35 years.

Clarence was a founding member and part of the Reading Fire Department Scuba Team.

Other memberships included Evergreen Country Club and Calvary Lutheran Church, Laureldale.

Surviving are two sons: David A. Lerch, companion of Cynthia L. DeWald of Fleetwood and Michael D., husband of Diane L. (Wagner) Lerch of Exeter Township.

In addition, there is a brother, Donald L., husband of Gloria Lerch of Flemington, NJ.

There are also two grandchildren, Seth A. and Shannan A. Lerch; two step grandchildren, Melissa M. Davis and Daniel S. Aulenbach; and two step-great grandchildren.

Services will be Saturday at 11 a.m. in Walter R. Christ Funeral Home, Inc., 3300 Kutztown Road, Laureldale. Viewings will be held Friday evening from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will be in Laureldale Cemetery, Muhlenberg Township.

Flowers will be accepted or contributions may be made to Humane Society, 1801 N. 11th Street, Reading, PA 19601 and/or Animal Rescue League, P.O. Box 69, Mohnton, PA 19540. For online condolences, please visit www.christfuneralhome.com.