Clinton Jake Badger of 419 ½ Bartram Ave. New Castle, PA 16101, passed away on Friday, July 29, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. in his residence, surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 82.

Mr. Badger was born in New Castle, PA, on May 12, 1929, a son of William Clinton and Gladys Taylor Badger.

He attended New Castle Senior High School. Following high school, Jake went on to serve his country in the United States Navy from 1948 to 1952 on the USS Frazier where he was a cook and a baker.

Mr. Badger worked as a burner for U.S. Steel in Elwood City until his retirement in 1972. During retirement Clinton had been the maintenance and grounds keeper for St. Mary's Church-Mary Mother of Hope Parish.

Jake was a member of St. Mary's Church-Mary Mother of Hope Parish and the Holy Name Society. He belonged to the USS Frazier Organization, a group formed for all of the past ship mates to gather once a year. Jake for many years would move the 'Right to Life Sign' to numerous locations throughout Lawrence County. Jake loved to do wood working but most of all he loved spending time with his family.

He is survived by: his wife, Ann Heaney Badger, whom he married December 1, 1951; 4 children, Joseph and his wife Ann Badger of New Wilmington, PA, James and his wife Joyce Badger of New Castle, Jeffrey and his wife Jai Badger of Grove City, PA, and Wendy Badger of New Castle, PA; 2 sisters, Jean Black of New Wilmington, PA and Leona Spear of Mercer, PA; a brother, Ronald and his wife Marian Badger of New Castle, PA; 9 grandchildren, Joanna McClelland, Bethanie DeLuca, Lindsay, Kaitlin, James, Christina, Jesse, Justin, and Chase Badger; 3 great grandchildren, Jake, Carter, and Jackson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Donald Badger and a sister, Maxine Davies.

Calling Hours will be from 4 to 8 p.m. on Monday, August 1, 2011 in the J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc. 111 W. Falls St. New Castle, PA 16101.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 2, 2011 in the St. Mary's Church ? Mary Mother of Hope Parish with Rev. Victor J. Molka Jr. A procession will leave the funeral home at 8:30 a.m. for mass.

Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions can be made to St. Mary's Church ? Mary Mother of Hope Parish 124 North Beaver St. New Castle, PA 16101 or Jameson Hospice of Lawrence County 1211 Wilmington Ave. New Castle, PA 16105.

Friends and family may send condolences to www.mcgoniglefuneralhomeandcrematory.com