Robert “Bob” Clemens

Robert “Bob” Clemens, age 91, of Springfield, passed away on Saturday April 30, 2022 at Lewis Memorial Christian Village.

He was born near Athens, Illinois on September 28, 1930 to Earl and Gladys (Ishmael) Clemens.  He married Phyllis Pittman on November 21, 1951 while stationed in Corpus Christi, TX, she survives.

Survivors include two daughters, Jan Clemens of Springfield and Julie (Kevin) Thorp of Anthem, AZ; a son, Phil (Kim) of Austin, TX; five grandchildren, Bucky Clemens of Springfield, Erick (Ashley) Shockley of Garland, TX, Jessica Shockley of Austin, TX,

Corey Jones of Springfield, and Craig Thorp of Dallas, TX; great-grandchildren, Paige (Ian) Mundstock of Taylorville and Kayli Clemens of Springfield, Corey Compton of Springfield, Lundyn Beyah of Springfield, Chayce Renicks of Springfield; three great-great grandchildren; a sister, Betty (Jack) Ethell of Athens; and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by a daughter, Beth; by his parents; and one sister, Dorothy (Harry) Critcheloe.

Bob attended schools in the Athens area, graduating from Athens Community High School in 1948.  He served in the US Navy during the Korean Conflict being stationed at NAS Cabiness Field, Corpus Christi, TX and aboard the USS Randolph CVA-15 which involved a six months service cruise in the Mediterranean.  Upon discharge he attended Lincoln Bible Institute and Valparaiso Technical Institute.  He was employed by Sangamo Electric and WICS-TV and retired in December 1995.  Note from Bob: “Those who knew me know what I did; those who didn’t know me probably don’t care anyway.”

Memorials may be made to Christian Student Fellowship (UIS); Springfield, IL; Inner City Mission, Springfield, IL; South Fork Church of Christ, Rochester, IL; or Lewis Memorial Christian Village, Springfield, IL.

Visitation for Bob will be held on Saturday, May 7, 2022 from 1:00 PM until time of funeral services at 3:00 PM at the Athens Christian Church in Athens.  Rev. Fred Johnson will be officiating.  Burial will be held at Joel Hall Cemetery in Athens immediately after the service.