Clair W. Schell, 89, passed away peacefully on April 12, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 11 A.M., Friday, April 17, 2026, with Fr. Mark Ghiloni as celebrant. Interment will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Newark, with military honors provided by the Licking County Veterans Alliance. Calling will be at the Reed-Egan Funeral Home, 141 Green Wave Drive, Newark, 5-8 P.M., Thursday, April 16, 2026.

Clair was a pillar of strength and a natural leader, respected and beloved by all who were blessed to know him. He was a man devoted to his family, unwavering in faith, character, and humility.

He was born in Caldwell, Ohio on July 3, 1936, to the late Clarence and Elvira (Hill) Schell. Clair attended Campion High School, Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, and dedicated to his studies, graduated at 15 years of age. Following, Clair enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, and although he was never deployed, he became a respected sharpshooter and a life-long patriot.

Clair then attended John Carroll University and OSU Newark. It was during this chapter that he met the love of his life, Julieann Alexander, at the YMCA Gym Jam. Together, Clair and Julie shared 65 beautiful years of marriage, raising their children with values for hard work and generosity. The steadfast closeness and loyalty of their family is a testament to their unity and love.

As a role model to all, Clair forever instilled the importance of pursuing meaningful work, leading by example as a top-performing State Farm agent and business owner. He was appointed as an agent in 1963 and served the Newark community for 40 years, proudly accomplishing top honors as a President’s Club and Crystal Excellence qualifier. He was a member of the Ohio Life Underwriters Association and past president of the Licking County Life Underwriters Association.

A champion of others, Clair was quick to believe in people and celebrate their wins. He had a unique eye for potential and a gift for helping those around him grow. Clair demonstrated exceptional leadership and was a staunch supporter of the Newark and Heath communities. He was a servant to the Newark Catholic Community, devoting many years of volunteerism, fund raising, and the overall advancement of Catholic education. He was a founding member and past president of the Newark Catholic High School Foundation, past president of Newark Catholic High School Athletic Association, and served on the St. Francis de Sales Finance Committee. He was a Newark Catholic High School Hall of Fame Award of Merit inductee and alongside his wife Julieann, he was the first recipient of the Newark Catholic High School Foundation Legacy Award.

Later in his life, Clair developed a passion for the Newark Maennerchor with a mission to foster philanthropy and social support within its members. Clair enjoyed fundraising and enhancing the membership experience with an intent to build the future, creating opportunities for those to follow. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, Newark Elks, and Newark Moose Lodge; and past president of Newark Sertoma Club.

Clair’s selflessness was not just a trait, but a way of life. Though he is no longer with us, Clair’s Faith, selfless love, and strong heart will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

He will be dearly missed by his wife of 65 years, Julieann Schell; his sons, Christopher (Deborah) Schell and Hans (Erin) Schell; grandchildren, Jack, Nicholas, Joseph, Alexandra “Lexi”, and Andrew Schell; siblings, Charles (Gail) Schell, Mark Schell (Lynnette White), Monica Stell, Stephen (Susie) Schell, Anne Schell and Michael Schell; sisters-in-law, Jane Schell,  Barbara Schell, and Mary Alice Swank; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Clair was preceded in death by his siblings, David Schell, Daniel Schell, Gregory (Mary Jane) Schell, Barbara (Doug) Heffley; and sister-in-law, Catherine Schell.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Clair’s name can be made to the Newark Catholic High School Foundation, NCHS Foundation - Newark Catholic High School; Newark Catholic High School Athletic Association, NCAA; or Newark Maennerchor, 195 Orchard Street, Newark, Ohio 43055

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the Mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.