Vester H. Clontz, Jr.

Vester H. Clontz, Jr., 94, one of Burke County’s Greatest Generation, died on Thursday, July 13, 2017.  Vester, a fourth generation Clontz, from Morganton, NC., was born on April 28, 1923, to the late Vester Herman Clontz, Sr., and Annie Ophelia Butler Clontz. 

After finishing Morganton High School in 1941, Vester attended Kings Business College.  He was inducted into the US Army in 1943 and completed boot camp at Camp Blanding, Florida.  During 1945, Vester led an infantry squad within the 10th Armored Division.  The Division was assigned to General Patton’s 3d Army for a time.  The Division saw combat in Germany and Bavaria.  During that time, Vester was awarded the Bronze Star for bravery.

Following his discharge, he returned to Burke County and started a new chapter in his life.  He met Catherine Elma Golightly; on October 18, 1946, they were married and had two daughters.  Vester was an active member of the community, and music was an integral part of his life.  Vester sang in the church choir and often was found singing with local choral groups in churches and local events.  He was a member of The Happy Five group that recorded a CD of favorite hymns. Over the years, he attended Pleasant View Baptist Church, Church of Christ, and Morganton First Church of God.  He was an employee at Drexel Furniture Company, and after 36 years, Vester retired as the data processing manger.  

After retirement from Drexel, Vester continued to stay busy.  He served as the Chairman, Burke County Board of Elections; consulted on business systems; and continued to sing at every opportunity.  Vester will always be remembered for his faith and was always willing to share the gospel and his love of Christ with others.  He was also known for his love of family and cheerful life attitude. 

Left to cherish his memory are daughters, Janice Brinkley and husband, Sam of St. Simons Island, GA and Patricia Elliott and husband, Jim of Morganton; grandchildren, Tracy Hollifield and wife, Janice, Chad Brinkley and wife, Julie, Staci Elliott, Samantha Talley, Alicia Elliott, Joshua Elliott; and great-grandchildren, Taylor Hollifield, Reagan Hollifield, Spencer Hollifield, Avery Brinkley, Chandler Brinkley, and Prestyn Brinkley.  Also surviving are brother, Franklin Clontz and wife, Jean of Longwood, FL; sister-in-law, Laura Clontz of Morganton; and brother-in-law, Elbert Golightly and wife, Frances of Morganton.

In addition to his parents, Vester was preceded in death by his wife, Catherine Elma Golightly Clontz; brothers, Leroy, Luther, and Vance Clontz; and sisters, Louise Baker, Ruby Allman, Lucy Johnson, Nadine Browning, and Mary Catherine Browning.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, Wednesday, July 19, 2017 at Morganton First Church of God on Summers Road.  The funeral will be held at 12:00 noon in the church with Pastor Jon McDivitt and Pastor Kyle Stamper officiating. Entombment will follow at Burke Memorial Park Mausoleum with Military Honors provided by the NC National Guard and the Caldwell County Veterans Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to Folds of Honor Foundation, 5800 North Patriot Drive, Owasso, OK  74055, Salvation Army, PO Box 2786, Morganton, NC  28655, or South Mountain Children's Home, PO Box 3387, Morganton, NC 28680.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.