Clarence R. McCool Sr., 94, of Cooperstown, passed away at 8:54 A.M. on Saturday, September 5, 2026 at Shippenville Healthcare and Rehabilitation. 

Born at home in Nickelville on October 7, 1931 he was the son of the late Glenn and Ella Boyles McCool.

In his earlier years, he hauled loads of pulpwood to the Hammermill factory in Erie. His daughter fondly remembered joining him on those trips and stopping along the way for chocolate milk. After returning home, he would report to work at Franklin Steel, where he was employed as a welder for many years. He enjoyed hunting, working on and painting cars, and listening to music, especially Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton. 

He was also a great cook and had a notorious sweet tooth. Known as a bit of a trickster, he had a strong sense of justice and was never afraid to stand up for what he believed was right. He loved his chocolate milk and sweets, but most of all, he loved his family. He was a loving and devoted grandfather who treasured the time he spent with his grandchildren.

He married the former Sarah Matteson on November 1, 1949 and she preceded him in death on March 27, 2009. 

Surviving are four children, Sarah Resinger of Franklin, Ronald McCool and his wife Liz of New Smyrna Beach, FL, Ruth Bickel of Franklin and Jeff McCool and his wife Brenda of Titusville; a sister, Violet Shingledecker; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. 

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by two daughters, Edith McCool and Karen Adams; a son, Clarence R. McCool Jr.; two grandsons, Michael Stevenson and Ronald McCool Jr.; a granddaughter, Yolanda McCool and a great-grandson Chad Resinger Jr.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Huff-Guthrie Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., 312 West Park St. Franklin where family and friends are welcome from Noon - 2:00 P.M. on Wednesday, September 9, 2026.

A funeral service will follow at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday in the funeral home chapel. 

Clarence will be laid to rest next to his wife at Dempseytown Lutheran Cemetery.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting huffguthrie.com.