Obituary for Clifford John Kershner
Clifford John Kershner, 72, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, passed away on March 28, 2022 at Hospice of the Panhandle, Kearneysville, West Virginia.
Born on February 11, 1950 in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, he is the son of the late Clifford Kershner and Dorene Kershner.
Clifford, better known as “Wally,” got his nickname because of his mustache. He moved from Chambersburg and grew up in Funkstown, Maryland. Wally volunteered in 1968 to join the United States Army, which drafted him into the Vietnam War from 1969-1970. He worked for the Army as a radio relay operator and received multiple accommodations, the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and the Army Commendation. After his service in the Army he worked for 23 years as a correctional officer for the State of Maryland Correctional Training Center, retiring in 2005. Wally then worked for FEMA, Homeland Security until 2010. Also after his service in the Army, he was diagnosed with Agent Orange which took a toll on his health. That didn’t stop him from enjoying camping, fishing, hunting, and anything outdoors. Wally was also a huge Philadelphia Eagles fan, a fan of NASCAR, and Quarter Midget Racing. He was also a member of the Funkstown Legion Post 211.
Wally’s family described him as someone who “set the husband and father bar high.” He was truly the most loving and caring husband and father, and was loved by everyone he met. He was compassionate and would help anyone who needed it. Wally was a man of integrity, a mentor to his community and a gentle giant.
In addition to Wally’s parents, Clifford and Dorene, he is preceded in death by 4 brothers, Steve Kershner, Wayne Kershner, Jamie Kershner and Donnie Kershner. He is also preceded in death by his parents in law, Melvin and Margaret Weaver, and by his grandson, Josh Unger.
Surviving Wally is his wife of 53 years, Sarah and his step son, Terry Keefer and wife Tammy, his daughters, Lisa Hensley and husband Gary and Johnna Michelle Davis and husband Gary. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Sarah, Emily, Cody, Chantell, Matthew, Alyssa, Amber, Jimmy, Sami, Zack and Jenny, and great grandchildren Brooklyn and Braedyn. His sister, Lori Kershner, many nieces and nephews and his special friend and “brother” Tom Nicol also survive him.
The funeral arrangements are held with Potomac Valley Cremation Center, 305 N Potomac Street, Hagerstown, MD. Family and friends can be received for visitation on Thursday March 31, 2022 from 6-7pm at the funeral home, with a funeral service at 7pm. Reverend Chuck Donivan will officiate. Interment is private.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the VA Center, Martinsburg or Hospice of the Panhandle, Kearneysville, WV.
Born on February 11, 1950 in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, he is the son of the late Clifford Kershner and Dorene Kershner.
Clifford, better known as “Wally,” got his nickname because of his mustache. He moved from Chambersburg and grew up in Funkstown, Maryland. Wally volunteered in 1968 to join the United States Army, which drafted him into the Vietnam War from 1969-1970. He worked for the Army as a radio relay operator and received multiple accommodations, the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and the Army Commendation. After his service in the Army he worked for 23 years as a correctional officer for the State of Maryland Correctional Training Center, retiring in 2005. Wally then worked for FEMA, Homeland Security until 2010. Also after his service in the Army, he was diagnosed with Agent Orange which took a toll on his health. That didn’t stop him from enjoying camping, fishing, hunting, and anything outdoors. Wally was also a huge Philadelphia Eagles fan, a fan of NASCAR, and Quarter Midget Racing. He was also a member of the Funkstown Legion Post 211.
Wally’s family described him as someone who “set the husband and father bar high.” He was truly the most loving and caring husband and father, and was loved by everyone he met. He was compassionate and would help anyone who needed it. Wally was a man of integrity, a mentor to his community and a gentle giant.
In addition to Wally’s parents, Clifford and Dorene, he is preceded in death by 4 brothers, Steve Kershner, Wayne Kershner, Jamie Kershner and Donnie Kershner. He is also preceded in death by his parents in law, Melvin and Margaret Weaver, and by his grandson, Josh Unger.
Surviving Wally is his wife of 53 years, Sarah and his step son, Terry Keefer and wife Tammy, his daughters, Lisa Hensley and husband Gary and Johnna Michelle Davis and husband Gary. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Sarah, Emily, Cody, Chantell, Matthew, Alyssa, Amber, Jimmy, Sami, Zack and Jenny, and great grandchildren Brooklyn and Braedyn. His sister, Lori Kershner, many nieces and nephews and his special friend and “brother” Tom Nicol also survive him.
The funeral arrangements are held with Potomac Valley Cremation Center, 305 N Potomac Street, Hagerstown, MD. Family and friends can be received for visitation on Thursday March 31, 2022 from 6-7pm at the funeral home, with a funeral service at 7pm. Reverend Chuck Donivan will officiate. Interment is private.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the VA Center, Martinsburg or Hospice of the Panhandle, Kearneysville, WV.