James Robert "Bob" Clouse

1928 - 2018

Longtime Galion teacher, coach and businessman, James Robert "Bob" Clouse, 90 passed away Saturday, Nov. 17 in Naples, Florida peacefull, in his sleep, from natural causes.

He was born March 3, 1928 in New Lexington, Ohio and was the youngest son of the late Francis B. Clouse and Florence M. (McCabe) Clouse. Bob is survived by his wife of 66 years, Patricia L. (Renkert) Clouse whom he married Aug. 2, 1952. She was the love of his life, and their marriage was a marriage like no other.

Bob was a 1946 graduate of New Lexington High School, where he was captain of the football team and lettered both ways. He then enlisted in the Army and was deployed to Japan during the latter end of World War II. He continued his education at Ohio State University where he lettered in 1951 and 1952 in golf. He was the captain of the golf team in 1952. He earned bachelor's degree with a major in physical education and a minor in business. He was a member of the Kappa Delta Rho fraternity.

He began his teaching/coaching career in Richwood, Ohio, then Crestline and finally Galion, where he taught in the junior and senior high schools. He coached baseball, football, golf, basketball and any sport that needed a coach. He was awarded a place in the Crestline Hall of Fame, along with the 1956 Bulldog baseball team as their coach, which included Joe Gottfried, Jack Harbaugh, Ronnie Ball, Ron Baker, Bud Snyder, Jim Mahek, Larry Simmermacher and others. The team went on to become district champs and were three games from state shamps even though Bob had only one-year previous experience. He also drove the bus. In 1955, he coached the infamous Gates Brown in Crestline. In Galion, he coached football under Bill Durtschi and had the pleasure of coaching Joe Nussbaum and many other Galion athletes. He was most noted as starting a junior golf program and gave many golf lessons in Galion and surrounding area. He was the golf professional at Twin Lakes Golf Course and at Galion Country Club. His Ohio State connections brought Fred Taylor to Galion to play golf.

His insurance career began in Galion and he worked with Don Kelly at Galion Insurance Service and with Wilbur Walker at Midland Insurance Agency. In 1977, he started his own agency, Bob Clouse & Associates, Agency, Inc. He had a very successful insurance career earning status as a lifetime member of the Million Dollar Round Table, and speaking before the organization was one of the highlights of his career. At one point, he was a teacher, coach, insurance salesman and golf professional .. all at the same time.

Bob never met anyone he didn't like and always saw the good in them. He had a tremendous heart and helped many people throughout his life. His eyes would always light up when you would see him and he made you feel like you were the best part of the day! He was loved by many and liked by all. He loved to play golf, euchre, pool, ping pong and any other activity that got his competitive juices flowing.

He was a member of the Knights of Columbus St. Frances Council 1234 and Army/Navy in Galion. He also was a former member of the American Legion, Moose Lodge 303 and Elks Lode 1191, among other clubs and organizations.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by sons J. Robert Clouse of Naples, Florida and Michael A. (Kay) Clouse of Galion; daughters Cindy L. (Randy) Smith of Westerville and Sandy K. (Jim) Mansfield of Arcadia, Florida; six grandchildren Shana N. (Nick) Lucius of Westerville, Ohio Hanna (Kyle) Hughes of Gainesville, Florida, David Mansfield of Spangdahlem, Germany, Elliot M. Clouse, Christian R. Clouse and Julieann M. Clouse of Galion; five great grandchildren; Levi, Logan, Luke & Landon Lucius of Westerville and Daniel Hughes of Gainesville, Florida. Former son-in-law George (Tami) Holland also survive.

In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded indeath by daughter Mary Clouse; sisters Mildred "Mick" Fielder, Ruth (Myron) Rugg & Rosemary (Paul) Fox; brothers Paul, Patrick, Edward and Carl Clouse.

A mass and lifetime celebration will be held later, at a date to be determined. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph's Church in Galion, Galion athletics (golf) or Crestline athletics (baseball).