Obituary of Clayton Gerome Learn

Clayton Gerome Learn, 84, of Cameron Mills, NY, passed away at his home on Saturday, January 6, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. Gerome was born in Corning, NY on June 6, 1939, the son of Clayton C. and Ethel M. Hill Learn. Growing up in Rathbone, Gerome attended the Northup Hill Rural School through the sixth grade. He then attended Jasper Central School High School. Gerome left high school at the age of 17 and enlisted in the US Air Force, serving from 1957 to 1961 as an airplane mechanic. He worked for the Town of Rathbone Highway department for a short period of time but eventually found his way to the Steuben County Highway Department where he was employed as a heavy equipment mechanic and operator, retiring after over 27 years of active employment. Gerome acted as a security guard at Woodhull Raceway for many race seasons. He had also served as Town Justice for the Town of Rathbone. Gerome was a master builder and jack of all trades, be it electrical, carpentry, plumbing or cabinetry trades. Upon his retirement from the County, he established Gerome’s Contracting Company, which he operated for many years, and in his free time, enjoyed camping and going on adventures with Barb and family at campsites near and far. Gerome and the former Barbara J. Doan were married on Gerome’s birthday in 1987 at the Hedgesville Presbyterian Church. Gerome considered his marriage to Barb to be the greatest birthday present possible. They were a loving, giving, strong in their faith couple who truly found their soul mates in each other. Gerome and Barb had belonged to the Hedgesville Presbyterian Church and later joined the Rathbone United Methodist Church. Gerome had a wonderful baritone voice and he would often be asked to sing in church or at other social functions. Barb would often join him to create beautiful duets together. Gerome is survived by his wife Barbara Learn of Cameron Mills, his children, Alesia Lovelace of Cameron, Arleta & Michael Piechotka of Lindley, Loreena & Jerry Bolzenthalof Twin Falls, Idaho, Stephanie & Scott Geyer of Bath, Angie & Kenneth Buck Jr of Cameron, Melissa (Michael) Haynes of Bath, Duane (Kendra) Baker of Columbia, Pennsylvania and Barry & Elaine Baker of Reinholds, Pennsylvania, his grandchildren, Eric & Amanda Lovelace, Clayton (Mary Kate) Lovelace, Jarad & Amber Smith, Joseph & Julie Smith, James Smith, Dustin & Cassie Nelson, Robert & Yvonne Bolzenthal, Brian Bolzenthal, Matthew & Briana Empson, Nikki & Chad Kirkendall, Joshua & Keri Empson, Lauren & Iscia Garcia, Bradley Baker, Raquell (Will) Geyer, Emily & Paul Shearer, Olivia (John) Geyer and Hannah (Abbey) Hoffman, 30.5 great grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren, his siblings, Audrey & Ben Lowery of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Vernon Robert and Mitzie Learn of Arkport and Jane Learn of Bath, sisters-in-law, Esther & Waldo Wood of Knoxville, Pennsylvania and Mary Jane McGlaughlin of Painted Post and many nieces, nephews and cousins, particularly his special cousin, Andrew Learn. Also, his loyal companions, Oli, Brandy and Fluff Puff the cat. Gerome was preceded in death by his parents, Clayton and Ethel Learn, grandchildren, Rebecca Empson and Jeremy Smith, brothers, David Learn and Richard Learn, sisters and brothers-in-law, Edith & Rodger Dunham, Janice & Rex Chamberlain and Eileen & Eugene Brewer, sister-in-law Connie Colegrove, and sons-in-law, Michael Smith and Robert Haynes. Friends may call on Tuesday, January 16 from noon to 2 pm and again from 4 to 7 pm at the H.P. Smith & Son Funeral Home, 1607 Main St. Woodhull, NY. Funeral services will follow there at 7 pm. Service will be officiated by Brian Diffenbacher. Burial will be made in Hedgesville Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made in Gerome’s name to either Care First Hospice or Hedgesville Cemetery, c/o Andrew Learn, 5994 Learn Road, Cameron Mills, NY 14820.