MSG Clair D. Hinkle, US Army (Ret.)

Master Sergeant Clair D. Hinkle, U.S. Army, Retired

May 12, 1941 – November 19, 2025

Master Sergeant Clair D. Hinkle, U.S. Army, Retired, 84, formerly of Somerset and Saxton passed away on November 19, 2025 at the VA Pittsburgh Medical Center. He was born on May 12, 1941 in Saxton, a son of the late Elvin C. and Susan P. (Boose) Hinkle. On March 2, 1974 at the Saxton First Church of God by the Rev. Lee Snyder, he was married to Annamary (May) Hinkle who preceded him in death on October 1, 2013. He is survived by two children: Erika Caley, and Duane Walsh and wife Meagan, both of Pittsburgh; four grandchildren: Madeline Caley, Nathaniel Caley, Ian Walsh, and Finnegan Walsh; four siblings: Doris Spencer and husband Chester, of Prineville, OR, Barry Hinkle and wife Mary, of Saxton, Patsy Barnett widow of Carl, of McConnelstown, and Shelby Sweeney widow of Dennis, of Everett; two sisters-in-law: Carol Neiman, of Killeen, TX; and Linda Hinkle, of Bedford; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by four siblings: infant Shirley Hinkle, Robert Hinkle, Frederick Hinkle, and Darlene Notestine.

Clair was a 1958 graduate of Saxton-Liberty High School and then attended Shippensburg University, before enlisting in the US Army with his brother Robert. He served two tours in Vietnam and went on to serve for 20 years active duty before retiring. He received several awards including the Army Commendation Medal, Air Medal, and a Bronze Star. Following retirement, “Bingo” as he was affectionately known, settled in Somerset County with his wife and children. He became the director of the Somerset County Veteran’s Affairs office, and also worked in the Connellsville unemployment office assisting fellow veterans in obtaining employment. Later he returned to Saxton with his wife, and was active in the Saxton Volunteer Fire Company with their Fire Police, and was a member of the Six Mile Run Church of God. After Annamary’s passing he relocated to Pittsburgh with his daughter Erika, and enjoyed being a full time grandfather along with reading western novels.

Friends and family will be received 5-8 pm on Monday, November 24, 2025 at the Fink & Stone Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., 111 E. Allegheny St., Martinsburg. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at the Six Mile Run Church of God, 1281 Main St, Six Mile Run, with visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be held at Grandview Cemetery, Saxton, with full military rites accorded by the U.S. Army and the Broad Top Area Honor Guard. Memorial contributions may be made in Clair’s name to: Saxton Volunteer Fire Company or Saxton Ambulance Division, PO Box 115, Saxton, PA 16678; or Six Mile Run Church of God, 1281 Main St, Six Mile Run, PA 16679.

Arrangements by the Fink & Stone Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc, Martinsburg.

www.finkandstonefh.com