Clyde S. Gass

Clyde S. Gass, 89, of Orange Township, died Monday morning, April 5, 2021 at his home.

Born August 5, 1931 in Bloomsburg, he was a son of the late Floyd Sheldon Gass and Miriam Irene (Hippenstiel) Gass.  He and his wife, Ruth A. (Miller) Gass, would have celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary on May 7th. 

Mr. Gass was a 1949 graduate of Danville High School and later from Bloomsburg State Teachers College.  He earned his Master's degree at Bucknell University. 

Mr. Gass faithfully served his country in the U. S. Navy from 1951 to 1955 during the Korean War. 

He was a member of the Orangeville United Church of Christ where he had served as a Sunday School Teacher, Deacon, and a member of the board of the Church years ago.  He was also a member of the Mahoning Masonic Lodge of Danville, the Eagles Mere Historical Society, the Columbia County Historical Society, the American Legion, the Danville Rod and Gun Club and the Orangeville Sportsmen’s Club.  In his younger years he was active with the Boy Scouts as the Scoutmaster of Orangeville Troop 65.

He was a longtime educator and guidance counselor at Central Columbia School District, retiring in 1985.  As a geography teacher, Mr. Gass inspired all his students to travel.  Being that he showed travel movies during his eighth grade geography classes he was often remembered as a favorite teacher.  He also provided his class with Pennsylvania road maps, courtesy of AAA, and often remarked that if a student was lost or misguided, it was their own fault for not paying attention in class.  As a guidance counselor, he was the student’s advocate, effectively resolving conflicts and encouraging students to pursue their academic or vocational goals.

He took great pride in growing sweet corn, often picking corn at the crack of dawn, and delivering to friends and neighbors while the dew was still on the husk.  He let everyone choose their own path, offering support at every challenge and approval with every decision.  He will be remembered for his good-hearted sense of humor, his gentle nature, his kind spirit and as a friend to all who crossed his path.  

His hobbies included traveling the world, hunting on his farm, fishing with his grandchildren, wood working and making furniture in his workshop, as well as being a gentleman farmer.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, Ruth, are his children:  Gregory Gass and his wife, Beverly; Cynthia McBryan and her husband, Brian; Pamela Gass and her husband, John Hamilton; grandchildren:  Garrett Gass; Laura McBryan and her husband, David Carney; Matthew McBryan; and a great granddaughter, Alexandra Carney.

Private Graveside Services will be held at the convenience of the family at Laurel Hill Cemetery, Orangeville with Rev. Mark Rowell, officiating.  A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the charity of the donor's choice.   The McMichael Funeral Home, Inc., of Benton, is honored to serve the Gass Family.  For online condolences or for additional information, please visit our website:   www.mcmichaelfuneralhome.com

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