Claude E. Kohl, Jr., died on New Year's Day after a long illness. He was born on April 7, 1932 to Claude E. and Edna (Woodland) Kohl He was married to Lenore (Carlier) Kohl and to the late Annabelle (Weaver) Kohl. Claude was a graduate of Allentown H.S., class of 1950. He was also a graduate of the first Fire Science class of Northampton CCC. He later served as an Adjunct Professor and taught Fire Science classes at NCCC. He taught many fire chiefs in the Lehigh Valley. Claude was a member of the Allentown Fire Department for 35 years rising through the ranks to Asst. Chief when he retired in 1994. He was a former member of the Governor's Safety Council and was a member of several safety committees, including LEPC and LCTI. Claude was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean Conflict, where he served as a Crypto Analytics Specialist and translated Russian and Chinese codes. He was a member of American Legion Post #576, Allentown. Claude was a member of the Boy Scouts for 75 years. He was an Eagle Scout who was honored to be named Alumnus of the Year by Minsi Trails Council in 2016 and NESA Outstanding Eagle Scout in 2018. He was a founding member of the Burn Prevention Network and served on its Executive Board for many years. Claude was active in the PTA locally and was elected PA State President in 1988 and served on the National Board of Managers for two years. He was a member of Emmanuel U.C.C., Allentown serving on the Consistory and several committees. Claude was a former member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Allentown, where he was a Council President. He worked part-time for the Allentown School District.
Claude is survived by his wife of 33 years, Lenore, as well as his three children, Claude E. Kohl III and wife Tracy of Allentown, Laurie Christman and husband Rodney of Lehigh Township and Sherri Marks and husband Earl of Jacksonville, FL. Five grandchildren, Caitlin Kohl, Elizabeth Kohl, Chelsea Kohl, and Rodney, Jr. and William Christman. He is also survived by brothers Rev. Richard Kohl (Mary), Summerville, SC, Dr. John Kohl (Nancy), St. George, Utah and sister Cindy Kohl, Willow Street, PA and several nieces and nephews.
Services will be at the convenience of the family. A Celebration of Life will be held when a gathering is safe. Arrangements by Stephens Funeral Home, Inc., www.stephensfuneral.com.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Minsi Trails Council (Boy Scouts of America), 991 Postal Rd, Allentown PA 18109 or Burn Prevention Network, 236 N. 17th St, Allentown PA 18104