Samuel M. Vauclain | Geologist, 92

Samuel M. Vauclain III, 92, formerly of Ardmore, a retired geologist and decorated World War II veteran, died Nov. 20 at Waverly Heights, a retirement community in Gladwyne.

Mr. Vauclain grew up in Haverford. He graduated from the Lawrenceville School and earned a bachelor's degree from Princeton University. He met his future wife, Edwina Flowers, while working for Sun Oil Co. in Mississippi.

In December 1941, three days after the attack on Pearl Harbor, he was drafted into the Army. He served in the South Pacific and the Philippines, and was awarded the Bronze Star.

After his discharge, Mr. Vauclain returned to Sunoco and transferred to its headquarters in Philadelphia in 1952. He was head staff geologist for Sunoco's U.S. and Canadian operations when he retired in 1971.

For 15 years, Mr. Vauclain was treasurer of the Penny Wise Thrift Shop in Ardmore. His wife was chairwoman of the shop, which benefits Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. She died in 1993.

Mr. Vauclain is survived by daughters Edwina and Anne; a sister; and three grandchildren.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. today at Church of the Redeemer, Pennswood and New Gulph Roads, Bryn Mawr.