WHITFORD, Claire Leslie, age 94, of Bellbrook and formerly of Hillsboro, passed away Wednesday, February 14, 2024, at the VA Medical Center in Chillicothe.

Claire was born and raised in Milton Junction, Wisconsin. He was the middle child of five children. He graduated from Milton Union High School in Wisconsin, class of '47. Upon graduating High School, he joined the United States Army. He honorably served as a front-line medic during the Korean War. He was part of the 279th Infantry Division, also known as the Thunderbirds. He was awarded the Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, the Combat Medical Badge, the Korean United Nations Service Medal, an Overseas Service Bar, and a Purple Heart.

In 1963, he started working as an admitting clerk at the Kettering Medical Center. After 21 years of service, he filled numerous positions for the hospital. He was the first unofficial security guard and helped with the hospital's lighting and electrical departments. He officially retired from the hospital in 1994. In addition, from 1970 to 1974, he owned and operated the Centerville Health Food Center, and while living in Mt. Vernon, he was the local barber. He was a member of the Hillsboro Seventh-Day Adventist Church, and before attending Hillsboro, he was a member of the Kettering Seventh-Day Adventist Church.

Music was a big part of his life. He was musically inclined along with his mother and sisters. Claire was very proud of winning the state championship award for being a baritone player in high school. Throughout his life, he enjoyed singing. He was in several quartets and traveling singing groups. He was also a harmonica player and had received an extensive collection of Hohner Harmonica's.

Claire loved watching old cars being restored and the beauty that they presented. He had a passion for cars, cars, and more cars. He also immensely enjoyed motorcycles as well. He had an incredible memory for license plates. Even in his older age, he was a strong and powerful man. He would regularly help people clean up debris from storms, help drop trees, trim them, and use a chainsaw. He loved having a wood-burning stove and being able to relax by it.

Among many things, he will be remembered for how proud he was of his son. They were very close and continued that enduring relationship all of his life. When his son, Johnnie, was growing up, he enjoyed going to the A&W Root Beer Stand, where they would get a grilled cheese sandwich with dill pickles grilled into the sandwich. With a patient and easygoing personality, he knew how to enjoy life. He never knew a stranger and made me friends over his 94 years. In the past 11 months alone, he has had over 232 visits from 62 people. That is an impact felt by many.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Margaret Ann Whitford; his parents, Lawrence "Beryl" and Luella Whitford; one brother, Curtis (Mary Lou) Whitford; three sisters, Claudia Marrs, LaRayne Newman, and Verla (Ed) Price; and two nieces, Cindy Wellman Silverstein, Laura Lee Price. He is survived by his wife, Vera Jean Yukl; one son, Johnnie Whitford (Jeanette Weeks); five nephews, Larry Marrs, John Marrs, Kerry Whitford, Doug Wellman, and Scott Price; and four nieces, Lucy (Neal) Darelle, Judy Whitford, Linda Lett, and Connie Wellman-Peters.

A memorial service with military honors will be at 12 PM on Sunday, March 10, at Hillsboro Seventh-day Adventist Church. Conner & Koch Funeral Home in Bellbrook is serving the family. Condolences at www.connerandkoch.com.