Clifford O. Mesler “loved by all”

SHINGLEHOUSE, PA---Clifford O. “Cliffy” Mesler, 94, of Shinglehouse, passed away Thursday, December 27, 2012 in Sena Kean Manor, Smethport, after a long illness.
Born November 30, 1918 on the Eleven Mile, Shinglehouse, he was a son of Frank and Minnie Goodrich Mesler. On July 5, 1941 on the stage of the Shinglehouse carnival, he married Gertrude P. Elliott, who passed away on February 12, 2002.
He attended Bedford Corners School in Portville, NY. Mr. Mesler served honorably in the U.S. Army during World War II.
He was a self employed dairy farmer and milk hauler. For many years, he owned and operated C.O. Mesler School Bus Company in Shinglehouse. He also owned the Shagbark Campground in Shinglehouse.
Mr. Mesler attended the First Baptist Church in Shinglehouse. He was a member of Sharon Lodge #598 F & AM, a member of the Corning Consistory, and a member of Ismailia Shrine in Buffalo. He was a life member of the Shinglehouse Volunteer Fire Department and a life member of the Shinglehouse American Legion Post 530, a member of the Wellsville VFW, a member of the Potter County Honor Guard where he served as chaplain, and a member of the Moose Club of Wellsville.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, racing ponies—having owned the Oswayo Valley Downs in Shinglehouse, playing euchre and singing karaoke. Cliffy touched many lives.
Surviving are two sons, Bruce V. “Red” (Sue) Gardner of Little Genesee, NY and Stephen “Steve” (Rebecca) Mesler of North Carolina; several grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; a brother, William (Lina) Mesler of Shinglehouse; many nieces and nephews; and many friends whom he considered his family.
In addition to his parents and wife, Cliffy was predeceased by ten brothers and sisters.
Friends may call Sunday from 2 to 4 pm and 7 to 9 pm at the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, 118 South Union Street, Shinglehouse, where funeral services will be held Monday, December 31, 2012 at 11am. The Rev. Russell J. Horning, pastor of the First Baptist Church, Shinglehouse, will officiate. Committal services and burial will be held in Maple Grove Cemetery, Shinglehouse.
Members of Sharon Lodge #598 F & AM will conduct memorial services on Sunday evening at 8:30pm in the funeral home.
Members of the Potter County Honor Guard will accord full military honors on Monday.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Oswayo Valley Senior Center, 1005 East Honeoye Street, Shinglehouse, PA 16748 or to the Shinglehouse Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 475, Shinglehouse, PA 16748.