Donald Clemens Obituary

Donald J. Clemens

Jul 16, 1928 - May 25, 2024

Huron

Donald Joseph Clemens, 95, passed away Saturday, May 25, 2024, at Providence Care Center, Sandusky, with his family by his side, after a short illness of a few weeks and a long life, moving from a prosperous, well-lived career on the earthly stage to that of eternal peace on the spiritual offstage, never forgetting his Christian upbringing.

Donald was born July 16, 1928, in Sandusky to the late Gilbert and Mary (Lauber) Clemens.

Donald graduated from St. Mary's Catholic High School in 1946, and attended the General Motors Institute in Flint, Michigan, where he graduated in 1953. He went on to spend what came to be nearly forty years with the New Departure Hyatt Bearings Division of General Motors. For many years after retiring from General Motors, Donald helped his wife run Sun Travel Agency in Huron. They enjoyed traveling all over the United States and the world. Though they did not market the agency as such, they knew, as Mark Twain knew, that travel is fatal to prejudice and more than just a vacation, that life is a journey and death not the end of life but an affirmation and a cause for celebration. His occupation as an industrial engineer was accented by his avocation of humor, story-telling, and informed commentary. He enjoyed golfing and playing cards with his many friends as well as playing billiards, socializing and boating with his long-cherished 1960 Lyman runabout, frequently visiting the Lake Erie Islands and nearby shores but especially enjoying the companionship he found on the Huron River at Gull Harbor Marina and many clubs of which he and his wife were a member. He lived a life of congeniality and decency, choosing optimism and tending to see the good in people and situations. He was always keenly aware of his blessed life, his last words at his bedside, in speaking to the many who brought him joy and comfort, being "Thank you".

Donald is survived by his wife, Marilyn (Liphart) Clemens; daughters Debi Clemens of Sandusky, Kim Troike of Parrish, Florida, and Mary Beth (Brian) Yeager of Ball Ground, Georgia; sons Jonathan (Diane Forsmark) Clemens of Olmsted Falls and Jeffrey Clemens of Huron and Mt. Shasta, California; and grandchildren, Matthew, Megan, and Kristan Troike.

In addition to his parents, Donald was preceded in death by his sisters, Dorothy (Howard) Printy and Marian (Wayne) Beatty; and his nephew, Dennis Printy.

Donald may be lost to the mist of time, and missed in the here and now, but his humor and wit will not be forgotten by those who knew him, all of whom he cherished and admired. Donald would not so much want anyone to mourn his passing but would expect those who knew him to gather and share stories and, perhaps, tell a joke or two. He had a good sense of timing, so he must have thought it was his time to go.

The family is thankful for the constant care and compassion Donald received while in Stein Hospice and Providence Care Center and for the many friends and relatives who were able to visit him and lend their support in his final days.

A private family celebration of life will be for the family when, as Twain - a favorite author, likely put it, reports of his passing are known to have not been exaggerated. Burial will take place at Oakland Cemetery. Groff Funeral Homes & Crematory will be assisting the family with arrangements.

Those wishing to contribute to Donald's memory may do so to Stein Hospice Services, 1200 Sycamore Line Sandusky, Ohio 44870.

Condolences may be shared online at www.grofffuneralhomes.com.