Obituary of Harry W. Clum

BLOOMVILLE Harry W. Clum Sr. 89, of County Rt 33, Bloomville, went home to be with our Lord on Spetember 11, 2014 at his home, with his family at his side. Born on April 17, 1925 in Gilboa and given the name Preston, Harry was the son of the late William and Alice (Storie) Clum. Shortly after his birth, his mother passed away. He was the fourth and last child, raised briefly by his sister Florence, and later cared for by his aunt Effie. Eventually adopted by Howard and Charlotte Clum, they changed his name to Harry. Growing up in Roxbury, Harry had to quit school at the age of 16. He worked many farm jobs and at Daitch's Creamery until entering the service. Serving in the Army from 1943 to 1946, he returned home and was employed in numerous jobs in NY, CT, and OH. He loved to drive truck. He was married to Lena Dougherty and they had 2 daughters. She passed away along with their daughter Catherine of polio in an iron lung. He later married Wreatha (Dougherty) Seeley. They had 2 sons and raised 9 children. Harry was a member of the American Legion Post #190 in Delhi, the Sheriff's Association, and the Stamford Baptist Church. He enjoyed spending time with his family. He liked to watch wrestling. He loved being outdoors whenever he could. He became disabled in 1986 when he was stricken blind. His family wishes to thank him for being the dad he didn't have to be. They also wish to thank his friend and caregiver of many years, Carol Nichols, and the nurses and staff of Catskill Area Hospice for the comfort they gave him. He is survived by his children, sons Harry Jr. (Laurie) Clum of Bloomville, Larry (Dianne) Clum of Charlotteville, and daughter Jeannie Miller and companion Gordon Miller of Monticello; his step-children who he loved and raised as his own, Evelyn (Burnie) Burnside of Bloomville, Don (Florence) Seeley of Walton, Barbara Raymond of Springfield, MA, Beverly Lawrence of Fort Richey, FL, Joe (Deb) Seeley of Davenport, Sally (Kirby) Litchfield of Bonneau, SC, and Lorelei (Ed) Eckert of Harpersfield; many grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents; sisters, Ina Roul, Ethel Zimmerman, Florence VanLoan, and Edith Bouton; a brother, Arthur Clum; 3 half-sisters, Marietta, Alice Parker, and Jenny Miller; a grandson, Bocky Burnside; and a son in law, Rich Raymond. A memorial service will take place on Friday, September 19, 2014 at 1 p.m. at the Stamford Baptist Church, Stamford, with Rev. Waylen Bray and Hospice Chaplain Garrett Mercier officiating. It was Harry's wishes to be cremated and have his ashes buried in Stamford Cemetery, Stamford, after the memorial service. In lieu of flowers, donations are asked to be made to Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care. Those who wish to share condolences or a special memory may do so on-line at www.macarthurfh.com Arrangements are by with the MacArthur Funeral Home of Hobart.