Clarence L. Withers, Jr. "Scoop", 89, formerly of Muhlenberg Township died in Phoebe Berks Health Care Center, Wernersville, where he had been residing since April, 2006.
He was predeceased by his loving wife, Catharine A. (Rothenberger) Withers, who died in October 2, 2001.
Born in Mohanoy City, he was the son of the late Clarence L., Sr. and Florence (Bollinger) Withers.
He was a 1936 graduate of Frackville High School.
Lt. Colonel Withers was a veteran of World War II. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corp in June 1941. He participated in the African and European theatre of operations. His overseas assignments include the 85th Bomb Squadron and 47th Bomb Group and he was assigned as the Armament Chief at the rank of Master Sergeant. For his World War II service he recieved the prestigious Bronze Star.
Thereafter, Lt. Colonel Withers enlisted in the 148th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, Spaatz Field, Reading, PA where he was later commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant and assigned as Chief of Armament. He was recalled to active duty during the Korean War and moved with the unit to Dover Air Force Base, Middletown, PA and served as the Commander, Combat Support Squadron.
In 1969, the United States Air Force introduced Red Horse Civil Engineering units into the Air National Guard. Lt. Colonel Withers was selected to be the Commander for the first unit organized, the 201st Red Horse Squadron. His unit played a prominent role in the clean-up of the devastating floods in Wilkes-Barre and Scranton areas in 1972.
Lt. Colonel Withers retired after 37 years of military service in 1978. In 1990 he was inducted as full Colonel into the Pennsylvania Air National Guard Hall of Fame.
Lt. Colonel Withers was a member of Good Shepherd United Church of Christ, Tuckerton. He served on the Berks County Armed Forces Advisory Council. He also was a member of the #227 Masonic Lodge, Reading and a member of the Rajah Shrine.
He is survived by a son, Scott S., husband of Noreen (O'Connor) Withers of Doylestown, PA and a daughter, Kathleen M. Withers of Allison Park, PA.
Also surviving are two grandchildren, Steven and Colleen Withers of Doylestown and a brother Howard P. Withers of Muhlenberg Township.
Services will be held Thursday at 10:00 am in Walter R. Christ Funeral Home, Inc., 3300 Kutztown Road, Laureldale. A viewing will be held Wednesday evening 6:30 - 8:00 pm and Thursday, one hour prior to services in the funeral home. Burial with Military Honors will be in Alsace Cemetery, Muhlenberg Township.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Foundation of America, 322 8th Ave, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10001. For online condolences, visit www.christfuneralhome.com
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