Clinton Osthimer

Clinton Rettig Osthimer, the only son of Clinton Maxwell Osthimer and Margaret Alice Rettig, was born on February 27, 1934 in Wabash Indiana. He was a Christian, a devoted husband, a father of unconditional love, a grandfather who adored his grandchildren and a great-grandfather who was blessed beyond measure with the close family he always wanted. He strived always to keep his family together and close, traits that have been passed down to each and every one of them.
Married to his wife of almost 60 years, Sharon Margaret Shea, they shared a love that was an example to all, and instilled in each of his children that marriage was not always easy, but it was forever. Through this love for each other they were blessed with five children; Elizabeth Ann Osthimer (Rob Konigsberg), Clinton Maxwell Osthimer, Susan Margaret Osthimer (Rick Morel), Michael Rettig Osthimer (Lee Ann Lachance) and William Patrick Osthimer (Michelle Toy), 6 grandchildren; Shea Marie Morel (Todd Shelton), Bree Ann Osthimer (Dustin Davis), Brenton Andre Morel, Brett Rettig Osthimer (Jaclyn Brown), Brandon Michael Osthimer and Preslee Reid Toy, 4 great-grandchildren; Ava Marie Shelton,
Reese Ann Osthimer, Madeleine Grace Shelton and Charlie Edward Davis.
Clint grew up in Indiana and in 1958 packed up his small family of three and moved to Lake Isabella, CA to begin what would be a very long and satisfying career of almost 35 years with the Kern High School District. Clint began his career as an English teacher and coach at Kern Valley High School where he remained until 1962 when he would move his not yet complete family of five to Bakersfield, CA. Clint taught, counseled, coached and was an administrator at Foothill, Highland and Bakersfield High School before moving back up the hill to become Principal of the school where he began his career. Clint would remain at Kern Valley while his youngest son was in high school and then, for the last time, move back down the hill to become the Director of the Bakersfield Adult School; where after suffering a quintuple by-pass on his sixtieth birthday would decide to retire in 1994.
During his lifetime, Clint was actively involved in sports and the sporting community. He played football, basketball, baseball and ran track while in high school and went on to play football in College where a knee injury ended his chances of being drafted. His love for the game didn't end with his injury so Clint did the next best thing; he began to referee football. Clint started out in youth football and worked his way up to Division I, even working the Japan Bowl for 7 years. It would be during his time officiating Division I ball that Clint would be scouted for the opportunity to become a referee at the professional level. Clint declined, stating it would take too much time away from being with his family. In addition to football, Clint was involved in both the track and field and wrestling communities. Clint was a starter for many College and AAU track meets and in fact would recruit his children to help out as well. One of Clint's most memorable moments was to be a part of the 1984 Olympics held in Los Angeles, CA. Clint loved athletics and next to football was his love for the game of golf.
Clint golfed for over 40 years and in fact lived on one of the courses in Bakersfield. Clint thoroughly enjoyed organizing groups of friends and trips to many tournaments over the years including the Bing Crosby, the Masters and the US Open. Clint golfed on many beautiful courses during his life time, with countless friends and family. From Pebble Beach in Carmel, CA where he purchased his "rainbow bread pants" all the way to the St. Andrews golf course in Scotland with his best friend and "little buddy" of 69 years, Bruce Farmer.
It was 15 years ago that Clint accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and Lord and since then has made it his daily walk to not let a day go by without praying for all he knew; especially for those who have yet to accept the Lord as their personal Savior. Clint's desire for all was to have everlasting life.
The entire Osthimer family would like to say thank you to all the Doctors, Nurses and Staff that attended to Clint during his time in the hospital. Special thanks and love go out to Dr. William F. Baker, Jr., M.D., Dr. Syed Alam M.D.,
Dr. Alpha J. Anders M.D. FCCP and Dr. Denis E. Maddox, M.D.
Services will be held on Wednesday, April 23, 2014 at the following locations:
10:00 am at the Bakersfield National Cemetery, 30338 E Bear Mountain Blvd.,
Arvin, CA
12:00 pm at Calvary Chapel Westbrook, 6501 Schirra Court (1 block south of White
Lane and Ashe Rd)
In lieu of flowers, you can make a tax deductible donation in Clint's honor to:
Calvary Chapel Westbrook, "Baker Pond Christian Camp" or a charity of your choice.