Clyde Calvin Marsteller, 88, passed away on Monday, April 27, 2026, in Newport News, Virginia. He was born in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, to the late Floyd Calvin and Vera Ester Marsteller.
Clyde’s wonderful life could go on for hundreds of pages (it actually does; he spent a few years writing an autobiography), so here is a brief summary of his 88 years on this earth.
A Newport News resident for over half a century, Clyde’s roots began in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. After 20+ years of dedicated service in the U.S. Army—during which he balanced military duties with studies in biology and chemistry to earn a bachelor’s degree—he retired as a Major.
Later in life, after truly retiring from the workforce, Clyde spent his time “growing” his community. Whether he was serving at St. George’s Episcopal Church or working with the Denbigh Lions Club, Clyde was always looking for ways to give back.
His true joy, however, was found in nature: fishing, hunting, camping, and caring for God’s creatures and land. He had a love for animals from an early age; as a teenager, he actually had a pet raccoon and a blue jay (yes, you read that correctly—a blue jay). As a Master Naturalist and Master Gardener, Clyde didn’t just tend to plants; he tended to minds. Through his famous “Zoo in My Luggage” program, he brought the wonders of the ecosystem into local classrooms, inspiring countless children to respect and care for all living creatures.
Clyde is now reunited with his “loving bride” of 64 years, Eleanor, and his daughter, Tara Covert. He is survived by his son-in-law, Roger Covert; brother, Floyd Marsteller Sr. (Barbara); sister, Bonnie Pancoast (Dan); nieces and nephews; and a vast circle of friends who became family. His legacy of curiosity and kindness lives on through his granddaughter, Kayla Covert, and her fiancé, Mitchell Price. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, May 6, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Peninsula Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 12:00 PM on Thursday, May 7, at St. George’s Episcopal Church, followed by burial with military honors at Peninsula Memorial Park. A reception will follow back at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Clyde’s name to the Denbigh Lions Club, Virginia Master Naturalists, or Virginia Master Gardeners. Alternatively, a tree may be planted in his honor to continue his legacy of stewardship.