John Stewart Clatterbaugh Jr.

Born in Stuarts Draft, VA in 1930 to John and Carrie Clatterbaugh, John Stewart Clatterbaugh Jr. led a life marked by service, education, and a deep love of nature. He graduated from Stuarts Draft High School in Stuarts Draft, VA, before pursuing higher education at Florida State University. He later earned his degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, followed by a Master's degree in Education from Johns Hopkins University.

At the age of 17, John joined the U.S. Naval Reserve and later served in the U.S. Army from 1949 to 1952 during the Korean Conflict before completing his military service at Aberdeen Proving Ground in MD. His bravery and dedication earned him the Bronze Star for valor and a Purple Heart.

An avid outdoorsman, John was passionate about fishing, hiking, and nature conservation. He had an extensive knowledge of native plants and wildlife, Native American history, and gems and minerals. His deep connection to nature was reflected not only in his love for the outdoors but also in his artistic endeavors, which included sketching, painting, and wood carving wildlife and landscapes he so deeply admired.

John's passion for helping others found its true calling in education. He began his career as an administrator with the Boy Scouts of America before transitioning to higher education. He worked as a financial aid administrator at Ferrum College in Virginia and for over two decades at Hagerstown Community College, growing the financial aid program and positively impacting the lives of thousands of students. He retired in 1992, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and dedication to supporting students’ educational journeys.

John was dearly loved by his wife of 70 years, Betty Wade, and by his two children, Stewart and Roxanne, and his daughter-in-law Kathryn. He was blessed with a lifetime of close and cherished friends and relatives who enriched all his days. He is survived by his wife, his children, and five grandchildren, John Harper and Wade Everret Clatterbaugh and Paul Jr., Ivan, and Amalia Fantl. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Carrie, his half-sisters Alma Cash, Ruby, Nellie and his stepfather, James Harper.

John’s legacy of kindness, love of learning, and service to his community lives on in all who had the privilege of knowing him.