Norman "Clyde" Felker

Norman “Clyde” Felker, 82 of Royal Center went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at 5:45 p.m., Thursday, July 31, 2014 at his home after a prolonged illness surrounded by his loving family.

Born on July 30, 1932 in Wolcott, he was the son of the late Carl and Dorothy (Latta) Felker.  On May 28, 1965, he married Gertraud “Gerti” M. Pantalitschka in Bad Toelz, Germany.  She survives.

He was a 1950 Royal Center High School graduate.

Clyde was a U.S. Army veteran serving in the Korean War from 1952-1954. He reinlisted in 1962 and served in the Vietnam War from 1967-1968. Clyde was a 5 ^th Special Forces Green Beret Paratrooper, having over 200 jumps and was a sharpshooter and demolitions expert.  He was also a recipient of the Bronze Star.  He ended his military career and retired in 1980 as a Recruiter.

He was a member of Caley United Methodist Church where he served at Trustee and Lay Speaker.   Clyde was a member and Past Master of the Royal Center Masonic Lodge.   He was also a member of Logansport Shrine Club, American Legion Post #60 and the Elks Lodge in Alamosa, Colorado.

Clyde was a former bus driver for Pioneer School Corporation and he also retired as a Carrier at the Winamac Post Office in 1993.

Clyde and Gerti enjoyed going to Special Forces reunions across the country and he was an avid HAM radio operator.  He also enjoyed mowing yard and spending time with his family especially his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Gerti Felker of Royal Center, daughter, Gabriele “Gabi” Chini (Bob) of Valley Center, California, son, Steve “Skinny” Felker (Chandra) of Burnettsville, sister, Marie Liming of Lucerne, brother, Phillip Gene Felker (Sharon) of Fountain Hills, Arizona and brother in law, Konrad Pantalitschka (Roswitha) of Holzkirchen, Germany.  He is also survived by grandchildren, Alaina Simpler (Chris) of High Point, N.C., Adam Chini (Michelle) of Escondido, CA., Jordan Chini of Valley Center, CA., Wyatt, Eli, Jake and Kinsey Felker of Burnettsville, great granddaughter, Alora Simpler and great grandsons, Stone and Dillon Simpler.  He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Dianna Marie Felker and sister, Betty Jean Strausburg.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m., Monday, August 4, 2014 at Caley United Methodist in Royal Center, Indiana with Pastor Doris Smith officiating.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m., Sunday, August 3, 2014 at Caley United Methodist Church.

Burial with Military Rites will be performed at Pro Cemetery in Headlee.

Memorial contributions may be made to Caley United Methodist Church.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Harrison-Metzger-Rans Funeral Home, Royal Center.

Sign the online guestbook or leave condolence for Felker family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com