Claire Leslie Stine

Claire L. Stine, 84, of Marietta, Georgia, formerly of Goshen, passed away on Friday, Aug. 30, 2013, at his home. Born and raised near Goshen, he was the youngest child of Ora W. and Madge. A star athlete, 4-H State Champion and church leader as a youth, he had graduated from Millersburg High School and Manchester College, North Manchester, Ind. It was at Manchester College that he met his wife of 58 years, Jane Burkholder Stine; she preceded him in death in 2011. Claire's life was filled with family, faith, volunteer service, and professional achievement. He grew up at Rock Run Church of the Brethren, taught Sunday school throughout his adult life, served on numerous church boards and committees, and was known as an inspirational leader of hymn and vesper singing. Claire and Jane raised their family in Fort Wayne (1957 to 1984) and moved to the Atlanta area in 1984. As a teenager on the Goshen-area family dairy farm, Claire raised the three heifers (named Faith, Hope and Charity) that, when shipped to Puerto Rico in 1944, commenced the "Heifers for Relief" program that grew into the global program for hunger relief known today as Heifer International. Professionally, Claire was among the first generation of corporate information technology leaders. He served as the Vice President of Information Services at Mutual Security Life Insurance Company of Fort Wayne prior to joining the Life Office Management Association (LOMA) in Atlanta in the same position. He is survived by sons, Mark K. (Debbie) of Indianapolis, Jon C. (Lisa) of Portland, Ore., Craig O. (Jeannette Wilcox), of Greenville, S.C., and Todd A. (Sarah) of Woodway, Wash.; and six grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Victor and Carol. A service to celebrate Claire's life will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 12, 2013, at the Rock Run Church of the Brethren, 64985 County Road 33, Goshen (IN 46528). In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Heifer International, One World Ave., Little Rock, AR 72202.