Obituary of Donald Clemens

Donald Elsworth Clemens, Jr.,68, of Chillicothe passed away on Friday evening, May 12, 2017 in Sparland. Don was born on April 29, 1949 in Peoria to Donald E. and Helen M. (Brandstetter) Clemens, Sr. He married Helen Carter on December 29, 1998 in Marshall County. Surviving is his wife, Helen Clemens of Chillicothe; his father, Donald (Ruth) Clemens, Sr. of Hot Springs Village, AR; stepson, Robert (Maggie) Jett of Altanta, GA; brother, Larry (Patti) Clemens of Chillicothe; step brother Bruce Baschieri of Peoria; step sister, Shelly (Scott) Steck of Cambrta, CA; two nieces, Holly (Nick) Delinski of Metamora their children Kenzie, Carley and Charlie, and Michelle (Brad) Dubois of East Peoria their children, Jack, Cole and Josie; and several aunts and uncles. He was preceded in death by his mother. In Don's youth he was active in baseball and basketball in East Peoria. His favorite teams were the Boston Celtics, Green Bay Packers and the New York Yankees. He was an Eagle Scout, Scout Master, and Merit Badge Counselor. He graduated from East Peoria High School in 1967. He went on to the University of Illinois and studied Forestry for two years. He always enjoyed being active outdoors with hunting, fishing and trapshooting. Don was a Lifetime Member of the NRA and a Lifetime Member of the Chillicothe Sportsman's Club where he was the Past Secretary and NRA Certified Instructor at many of their events. He was also a member of the Guns Save Lives; Illinois State Rifle Association, and Past Board Member of the Illinois Walking Horse Association. Don enjoyed helping his wife with Riverview Acres Stables, showing his Tennessee Walker "Tim Tam Slam" in classes at horse shows, where he earned many blue ribbons. Slam would give Don a kiss every day for his apple. He was a Crew Chief on Super Modified Sprint Cars, winning a National Championship in 1984. He never missed a formula race on TV. Don cherished his old Harley Motorcycle. Don worked for Caterpillar, Inc. as a Test Engineer for 33 years before he retired in 2004. Don was an active member Chillicothe Tea Party Patriots. He helped his friend, Louis Stratton on the Honor Flight to Washington DC. He was a board member of the Chillicothe Memorial Project. Lately his favorite past time was visiting his veteran friend Kenney Cook, they had so much in common. Even though Don was not a veteran, he was a true patriot who loved his country. Don also loved to cook and took monthly cooking classes at the Chillicothe Library. Don was a clever, friendly and giving man. He made everyone happy. He will be greatly missed. A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday May 22, 2017 staring at 2:00 PM at the VFW Post 4999 located at 1729 North Santa Fe Avenue in Chillicothe. To leave a condolence please visit Don's Memorial Website at www.weberhurdfuneralhome.com