Clayton “Clay” H. Akerley, 68, passed away on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the Lebanon VA Medical Center, surrounded by family.
Born on June 2, 1957, in Acme, PA, he was the son of the late Harry and Freda (Fertig) Akerley. Clay attended Mount Pleasant Area High School, where he was actively involved in athletics, holding longstanding school records in diving.
Following graduation, Clay enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he served for eight years. He continued his military career with the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, serving an additional 32 years and completing a remarkable 40 years of military service. Over the course of his distinguished career, he achieved the rank of Master Sergeant and served in three military deployments: Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm in the Persian Gulf, Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
In service to the Commonwealth and the Nation, he applied his expertise in computer systems at the Command, Control, Communications, and Computers Directorate (J-6) in the Joint Operations Center at Fort Indiantown Gap, routinely the busiest National Guard training center in the country. Among numerous other awards and decorations, Clay was awarded the prestigious Bronze Star Medal and Meritorious Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious service during his deployments to Afghanistan in 2004 and Iraq in 2007.
Clay was a devoted husband to Suzanne (Fraytic) Akerley and a loving father to Sulyn Curtin (Dennis), Celeste Fasig (Brian), Paula Knapp (Joshua), and Alex Akerley (Kaylee). He is also survived by his siblings, Charlotte Akerley, Schon Crouse, of Ohio, Barry Akerley, of Texas, and Lori Akerley, of Oregon. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Wendy Greer. Affectionately known as “Pappy,” Clay was a proud grandfather to nine grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Outside of his military service, Clay enjoyed attending car shows, where he proudly displayed his beloved 1980 Firebird and earned numerous trophies. He was also an avid camper and a collector of military memorabilia. Clay was an active member of American Legion Post 910, the Elstonville Sportsmen’s Association, and the R. Field & Stream Association of Lebanon County. He especially looked forward to his monthly reunion breakfasts with his USPFO friends.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 20, 2026, at Thompson Funeral Home Inc., 126 S. 9th St., Lebanon, PA 17042. Interment with full military honors will follow at St. Gertrude’s Cemetery. A viewing will be held prior to the service from 10-11 a.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Clay may be made to Friends of All Animals, friendsofallanimals.org. The family welcomes your memories and messages in Thompson Funeral Home’s online guest book at thompsonfuneralhomelebanon.com.
