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Raymond Daniel Cless Jr 1919 - 1989

Raymond Daniel Cless Jr of Indian Springs Dr, in Lancaster, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania United States was born on October 20, 1919 in Harrisburg, Dauphin County, and was the father of Raymond Daniel Cless III. Raymond Cless died at age 69 years old on April 2, 1989 at Indian Springs Dr, in Lancaster, Lancaster County, and was buried at Prospect Hill Cemetery Arch Wy, in Harrisburg, Dauphin County.

Raymond Daniel Cless Jr

Indian Springs Dr, in Lancaster, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania 17601, United States

October 20, 1919

Harrisburg, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, United States

April 2, 1989

Indian Springs Dr, in Lancaster, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, 17601, United States

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Raymond Daniel Cless Jr's History: 1919 - 1989

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Introduction

Raymond Daniel 'Wardy' Cless Jr., affectionately known as Wardy, was born on October 20, 1919, in Harrisburg, Dauphin, Pennsylvania, USA. He was the son of Raymond Daniel Cless Sr. (born 1895) and Mary Elizabeth Decker (born 1897). Raymond had two sisters, Jane E. (1917-1960) and Betty Ruth Cless (1922-2005). Growing up in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Raymond attended William Penn High School, where he excelled as a football player and graduated in 1938. At the age of 21, Raymond dutifully registered for the draft on July 1, 1941, in his hometown of Harrisburg. Later on February 6, 1942, Raymond enlisted in the United States Army as a private. His military service spanned from the day of his enlistment until September 27, 1945 when he was honorably discharged. Throughout his time in the Army, Raymond actively participated in World War II, demonstrating exceptional bravery and resilience. He played a significant role in critical campaigns such as the historic Normandy invasion and the Battle of the Bulge. Raymond's courageous actions on the battlefield led to his being awarded the Purple Heart. In addition, his exceptional service was acknowledged with two bronze stars, each adorned with oak leaf clusters, symbolizing acts of valor and meritorious service. Upon returning to civilian life, Raymond married Gene Louise Shuler (1920-1996) on September 17, 1942, in Dauphin, Pennsylvania and the couple welcomed three sons into their lives, including Raymond Daniel Cless III. Raymond dedicated 38 years of his professional career as a production supervisor at Pennsylvania Power & Light Company. His commitment to his work and his community left a lasting impact on those around him.
10/20

1919

Birthday

October 20, 1919

Birthdate

Harrisburg, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania United States

Birthplace

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Ethnicity & Family History

Raymond's father and mother were both born in Harrisburg Pennsylvania. His father Raymond Sr was born on October 11, 1895 and his mother Mary was born in September of 1897.
Nationality & Locations

Raymond was born in Harrisburg Dauphin County Pennsylvania and lived there most of his life. He moved to Lancaster Pennsylvania sometime before 1967.
Early Life & Education

Raymond was a football player at William Penn High School and graduated from there in 1938.
Religious Beliefs

Member of Christ Lutheran Church in Harrisburg.
Military Service

At the age of 21, he registered for the draft on July 1, 1941, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Raymond resided in Harrisburg and worked as a general industry clerk. On February 6, 1942, Raymond enlisted in the United States Army in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania. His enlistment number was 33148583. As a selectee, he joined the Branch Immaterial - Warrant Officers component of the Army. During his military service, Raymond held the rank of Private. Raymond's military service lasted until September 27, 1945, when he was honorably discharged. Throughout his time in the Army, he actively participated in World War II. Raymond demonstrated exceptional bravery and resilience as he served in significant campaigns, including the historic Normandy invasion and the Battle of the Bulge. His courageous actions and sacrifices on the battlefield resulted in his being awarded the Purple Heart, which is given to those wounded or killed in combat. Raymond's exceptional service was further recognized with two bronze stars, each adorned with oak leaf clusters, symbolizing additional acts of valor and meritorious service. Raymond Cless, a proud World War II veteran, displayed immense courage and dedication to his country. His contributions in Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge played a vital role in securing victory. We honor and remember Raymond's service and sacrifice in defense of freedom.
Professional Career

After serving his country in World War 2, Raymond worked as a production supervisor for 38 years at Pennsylvania Power & Light Company, and was a president of Reddy Kilowatts.
Personal Life & Family

Raymond was an active Freemason - his blue lodge was Harrisburg Lodge 629, and he was a member of the Scottish Right at Harrisburg Consistory, and Zembo Temple Shrine, Lancaster County Shrine Club, and was a member of the Tall Cedars of Lebanon, Forest 27.
04/2

1989

Death

April 2, 1989

Death date

natural causes

Cause of death

Indian Springs Dr, in Lancaster, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania 17601, United States
Death location

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Gravesite & Burial

mm/dd/yyyy
Funeral date
Prospect Hill Cemetery Arch Wy, in Harrisburg, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania 17103, United States
Burial location
Obituary

The following appeared in the Lancaster New Era newspaper in Lancaster Pennsylvania on Monday April 3rd 1989: Raymond Cless, PP&L retiree Raymond D. "Wardy" Cless Jr., 69, a retired Pennsylvania Power & Light Co. employee, died of natural causes Sunday morning at his home, 839 Indian Springs Drive. He was the husband of Gene L. Shuler Cless. They observed their 46th wedding anniversary in September. He retired from PP&L in October 1985 after 38 years as a production supervisor. He was past president of Reddy Kilowatts. A veteran of the 82nd Division of the U.S. Army in World War II, Cless was awarded the Purple Heart medal and two bronze stars with oak leaf clusters. He fought at Normandy and in the Battle of the Bulge. Cless was a member of Christ Lutheran Church; Harrisburg Lodge 629, Free and Accepted Masons; Harrisburg Consistory; Zembo Temple Shrine; Lancaster County Shrine Club; and Tall Cedars of Lebanon, Forest 27. Born in Harrisburg, he was the son of the late Raymond D. and Helen Decker Cless. Surving in addition to his wife are three sons: Raymond D. III, Lancaster; Ronald G., Whitehall; and Richard C., Mountville; five grandchildren; and a sister, Betty Shakespeare, Paxton.

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Raymond Daniel Cless Jr lived 8 years shorter than the average family member when died at the age of 69.

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Lizzie Kunde

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06/01/2023

Raymond Daniel Cless Jr

"Parachute Trooper Raymond D. (Wardy) Cless, Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. R. D. Cless, 661 Emerald street, parachute trooper at Fort Benning, Ga., is now attending officers' training school at Atlanta.

He was a football player at William Penn High School and graduated from there in 1938."

Harrisburg Telegraph (Harrisburg, Pennsylvania) Tuesday, August 11, 1942

Date & Place: August 11, 1942 in Harrisburg, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania United States

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Raymond Cless' Family Tree & Friends

Raymond Cless' Family Tree

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Raymond Daniel Cless Jr Oct 20, 1919 - Apr 2, 1989

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