Claude E. Mays, Jr.

        Claude E. Mays, Jr., 96, of Maidencreek Township, formerly of Leesport, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 9, 2026, in Keystone Villa at Fleetwood.  Born in Reading, he was the son of the late Olive (Dillon) and Claude E. Mays, Sr.  He was married to Florence J. (Knabb) Mays, who passed in 2007. They were just shy of celebrating their 53rd wedding anniversary.

        Claude graduated from the former Shillington High School, and after graduating, worked with his father to operate his gas station in Reading.  He then served his nation proudly in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict, stationed on the USS Helena.  He later transferred to Pearl Harbor, where he met Florence.  They married in Pearl Harbor and upon not re-upping his enlistment, they moved to Kenhorst to start a family.     

        Claude worked as a draftsman for Gilbert Associates, Inc., Reading, and on weekends helped his mother with her gas station in Reiffton.  He also took additional educational courses to aid his career, achieving an Associate’s degree.

        Claude became Scoutmaster with Boy Scout Troop 236, based out of Immanuel United Church of Christ, Shillington, which produced several Eagle Scouts during his tenure.  He loved the outdoors, and he and Flo served many years as Conservation Directors for the National Camping and Hiking Association’s Pagoda Ramblers camping club.  He was also a volunteer at Blue Marsh Lake, working on conservation projects and helping with educational field trips from area schools.

        After retiring, Claude became active with the Navy Club, where he attended many ship reunions.  He also took up painting and sketching, winning several awards.  He and Flo were members of St. John’s Reformed Church, Sinking Spring.

        Claude is survived by his loving children: a daughter, Kalai Lee, wife of Roger Wherley, Biglerville, PA, and a son, Claude E. Mays, III, husband of Kimberly, Bedford, PA., along with three grandchildren – Ray and Lani Wherley, and Lance Mays, Carol Stream, IL.

        In addition to his parents and wife, Claude was predeceased by a daughter Lani Sue Mays, and two sisters, June Mays and Bernice Rhoads.

        Funeral services from Klee Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., One East Lancaster Ave., Shillington, on Friday, January 16, 2026, at 1:30 PM. Pastor Jim Bertoti will officiate, Viewing from 12:30 – 1:30 PM. Interment will follow with military honors rendered by the US Navy and Ray A Master Post # 217 American Legion, in Fairview Cemetery, Shillington. www.kleefuneralhome.com

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