Clayton C. Riegel

Clayton Charles Riegel (“Clay”) was born on July 5, 1931, son of Anna Mae Jacobs and John F. Riegel in Wayne Township, Pennsylvania.  Clayton grew up in a farm family, one of seventeen children.  Clayton is preceded in death by his wife Gloria Steele, children Stephen, Baby Boy Riegel, and Mark, his parents, and siblings Lester, Guy, Wilmer, Edgar, Paul, James, Eva, Grace, Claude, baby Riegel, Russell, Earl, Harold, Robert, and Anna. 

Clayton married Gloria Steele on April 23, 1955.  They were introduced to each other by Clayton’s brother Russell and sister-in-law Teresa.  They had four children, Stephen Douglas, Mark Dennis, Karen Eileen, and Debra Lynne.

Clayton served in the US Army from 1950 to 1953 and the US Air Force from 1953 – 1974.  Clayton served overseas in Germany and both the Korean and Vietnam Wars, as well as many assignments across the US.  During his military career, Clayton achieved the rank of Master Sergeant, specializing in mental health. 

Upon his retirement, Clayton moved his family to Pennsylvania to be near his and Gloria’s families.  He started his next career in 1974 as a case worker for the Welfare Department of Pennsylvania.  He retired in 1996.  In what we thought was his retirement, he took a part-time job operating the carousel at Willow Grove Park, where he enjoyed working with children and families.  This job really was a joy to him.

Clayton is survived by his daughters, Karen Riegel-Thompson (George) and Debra Jepson (Chris), his only grandchild Patrick, his sister Hilda Offutt, sister-in-law Shirley Riegel, and many nieces and nephews.

Clay loved to travel and enjoyed many vacations across the US with his wife Gloria and their friends during their retirement.  They especially enjoyed Branson MO and Orlando FL.  After Gloria’s passing in 2016, Clayton continued to explore new places and experiences with Debbie and Chris on road trips and day trips.  Clay also loved gardening and puzzles.

Relatives and friends are invited to his Viewing on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 from 10:30 am to 11:30  am at Trinity Lutheran Church, 235 Summit Avenue, Fort Washington PA.  A funeral service will follow at 11:30 am.  Interment will follow at 1:30 pm at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, 830 Highland Road, Newtown PA.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations be made to Honor Flight Philadelphia, PO Box 3, Broomall PA 19008.

Arrangements by John J. Bryers Funeral Home, 215-659-1630, www.bryersfh.com

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