Photo courtesy of Burkhart Funeral Home - Crawfordsville
Crawfordsville, Indiana
May 25, 1934 – Feb 15, 2024
Thomas Duane “Chick” Clements
May 25, 1934-February 15, 2024
On the morning of Thursday, February 15, 2024, Thomas Duane “Chick” Clements died peacefully at Wellbrooke of Crawfordsville at the age of 89. Chick was born May 25, 1934 in Crawfordsville, Indiana, to Ruth and Vernon Clements. He graduated from Crawfordsville High School in 1952. He briefly attended Butler University on an athletic scholarship. He then served in the Korean War. After returning from the war, he married Janet Payne in June, 1956; his life-long partner of 64 years. He worked as the Athletic Department Equipment Manager for Wabash College from 1966 to 2003. While at Wabash, he was made an Honorary Alumnus, Class of 1977. In 1998 he was inducted into the Wabash College Athletic Hall of Fame. And in 2022, a Little Giants Football Stadium suite was dedicated in his name.
Chick and Janet spent countless hours exercising, dancing and riding their bikes together. He also spent countless hours hunting, fishing and talking sports to anyone who would partake. He liked to whistle. It was the signal to his family that “dad is home.” A home steeped in structure and stability. He was steadfast and dedicated to his duties as a father and husband and a role-model for work ethic and appreciating the simple things in life. He carried these traits over to his work at Wabash College where he found his calling not only as the Athletic Department Equipment Manager but also a mentor, advocate, friend and father-figure to generations of Wabash men. He was as devoted to the Wabash community as it was to him. It was his devotion to the spirit and place of all things Wabash that made him “some Little Giant.”
Chick is survived by three children, Damon Clements (Robin); Angela Clements; Steve Clements (Michellene); and six grandchildren, Kyle Clements (Kelly), Kristin Johnson (Hunter), Patrick Clements, Joshua Clements (Marissa), Carrie Ann Clements and Casey Clements, several great grandchildren, and his brother Jack Clements (Susie).
Chick was preceded in death by his wife Janet; son, Andy; parents, Vernon and Ruth; sister, Mary; brothers Robert, Maurice, and baby David.
Per Chick’s request, no service is planned.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local animal shelter or rescue.
Read MoreA year has past, Chick, still memories of you and Janet remainand so we say thanks again, especially as we remember you today, for helping to shape the lives of countless Wabash men. We were lucky, indeed! WAF!
Joe Pfennig
February 15, 2025 | Franklin, IN | Friend
I got to know Chick even though by the time I got to Wabash, he had "retired." My Dad would regal with me with stories about Chick growing up and he had gone to Wabash as well and played football and wrestled. Chick always treated me like family. I'd often interact him with and Janet during my time in Crawfordsville and they were just the best people. It's been at least 15 years since I last interacted with Chick, but we shared some moonshine that he may or may not have made. He was an...
Benjamin Hewitt
September 07, 2024 | Fort Lauderdale, FL | Acquaintance
He was always so kind to me both in school and since graduation from Wabash. I will miss him.
Dana Kolter
April 17, 2024 | New Albany, IN 47150, IN | Friend
Wonderful man in every way,i
John Fischer
February 23, 2024 | Owings Mills, MD | Friend
What can i say. Great person and a great friend. There will always be a special place in my heart for chick ,janet,andy and the rest of the family. Love you all and l am praying for you all. Love always Larry Baldwin
Larry Baldwin
February 19, 2024 | Lafayette, IN | Friend
August, 1980 was the 1st time I met "Chick." As a incoming freshman football player, during two a day camp, he was the 1st person you had a conversation with upon arrival. He treated you like you would have wanted to be treated in an unfamiliar environment. From that point forward, he was going to be your biggest cheerleader for the rest of your life. He was a great man.
Tim Heston
February 19, 2024 | Carmel, IN | Friend
He was Some Little Giant. Always took time to listen and later greeted you with a grip that crushed your hand. Never forget him stalking the sideline at football games. “Clarkie” class of ‘73
Lee Clark
February 19, 2024 | Noblesville, IN | Friend
Chick was a great friend while I was at Wabash and for 50 years thereafter. My deepest sympathy. May he rest in eternal peace.
Paul Tipps, Wabash '74
February 18, 2024 | South Bend, IN | Friend
Chick was a Wabash legend, a Wabash institution, and a good friend. I am still using the combination lock he issued to me when I joined the faculty in the fall of 1969. It now literally opens itself when I approach my locker after all these years. I imagine it is Chick’s spirit welcoming me back into HIS domain in the basement of the Allen Center.
David Hadley
David Hadley
February 18, 2024 | Crawfordsville, IN | Friend