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Clinton Garbs Obituary

LATHAM - Mr. Clinton Garbs of Okawville, IL departed this life in the Washington County Hospital at Nashville, IL on Wednesday, October 5, 2011 at 5 A.M. He had attained the age of 88 years and 18 days. Clinton was born in Posey, IL on September 17, 1923 the son of George and Mary (nee Mueller) Garbs. He was united in marriage to Phyllis Beimfohr in St. Louis on August 31, 1946 and she preceded him in death on February 9, 2008. Mr. Garbs was a graduate of Okawville High School. He served in the United States Marine Corps during WW II in the Pacific Theater of Operations. Following the war, Clinton enrolled at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree. He later obtained his Master's Degree from the University of Illinois. Mr. Garbs began his teaching and coaching career at Okawville High School. From there he taught at Kinney, IL and finished his distinguished career as a teacher and coach at Warrensburg/Latham Middle School. Clinton was a member of and confirmed at St. Peter's United Church of Christ in Okawville. He was also a member of American Legion Post #233 and V.F.W. Post #5596 both in Okawville. Clinton was an avid golfer and huge supporter of U of I sports programs as well as a fan of St. Louis Cardinal Baseball. He loved dogs and horses. He had a wonderful sense of humor that will be missed by all who knew him. Left to mourn his passing are his two daughters Deborah Jones and husband Jack of Okawville and Amy Schroller and husband Drew of Ventura, CA; four sisters Esther A. Kuhn, Pearl Heberer, Helen Elliott and Bonnie Stieg and her husband Wallace all of Okawville; a sister-in-law Doris Beimfohr of Okawville; nieces and nephews; great nieces and nephews; step grandchildren; step great grandchildren; special friends Rita, Mary and Joe Scanavino of Latham, IL as well as a host of other friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; a daughter Pamela Garbs; a sister Aleen Morris; three brothers Fred, Stanley and Leonard Garbs; nieces and nephews and his dear friend Charles Scanavino. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 8, 2011 at 10 A.M. from the Campagna Funeral Home in Okawville with Pastor Jeffrey Schwab officiating. Interment will be in the St. Peter Cemetery in Okawville with graveside rites by American Legion Post #233. Friends may call at the Campagna Funeral Home in Okawville on Friday from 4 P.M. until 8 P.M. and on Saturday from 8 A.M. until the service hour. Should friends desire memorials may be made to the Special Olympics or to the Irvington Food Pantry and will be accepted by the Campagna Funeral Home. Online expressions of sympathy may be made at www.campagnafuneralhomes.com Obituary written by family members. Online guest book at http://legacy.com/obituaries/herald-review/

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Decatur Herald & Review on Oct. 6, 2011.

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Rick Brown

October 14, 2011

Mr. Garbs was my science teacher in 6th grade. He made science interesting and I enjoyed his humor.
Debbie, your Dad got his wish.

Kim Westen Chandler

October 11, 2011

I just learned of his passing. I have very fond memories of 6th grade where he was my teacher. I also had the pleasure of visiting your home a few times and Amy I hope you remember them too.

Carolyn Hatfield-Bragg

October 9, 2011

Clint was a wonderful teacher, leader and friend. I will always remember him as my first male teacher who later became a dear friend. Both Clint and Phyllis left a lasting impression on my life. May your memories sustain you during your time of grief.

Lynda (Mears) Keever

October 9, 2011

Amy, Deb (and families): I was so sad to hear about your dad's passing. He was one of the shining stars in my education . . . I think of him fondly and often. Sincere sympathy in this tough time --

Lloyd Buckley

October 6, 2011

Mr. Garbs was one of our teachers at Latham Grade School. It was an honor having known him and his family. A great family man, teacher, gentleman & friend to all who knew him. My heart is truely saddened by his passing.

Floyd Buckley

October 6, 2011

Having grownup in Latham and having had the true honor of knowing the Garbs family is something I will always treasure. Mr. Garbs was truely an inspiration to all. A truely loveing family man and a great human being. May God be your strength during this difficult time.

Ron Faith

October 6, 2011

I have good memories not only as having had your dad as a teacher, but also growing up in Latham and knowing him for so many years. Prayers and thoughts are with you and your families.

Ron Faith

Terry Boles

October 6, 2011

Debbie & Amy and the Family,

I wish to express my deepest sympathy with the passing of your father. May those fond memories of him provide comfort and strength each and every day. Your father was an awesome man with a heart of gold. He was one of my 6th grade teachers at Latham. He nicknamed me "Sugarfoot" and he always called me "Shug" from then on even many years later. Clint was very special. All of the students were "his" kids and they all respected him. I know he was proud of all of his kids because he played a very important and compassionate role in their lives. May he rest in eternal peace.

May God Bless!!

Jeanne Mears

October 6, 2011

Hello, we are so sorry to read of your dad's passing...also didn't know your mom and Pammie had passed...Amy, Lynda's in Elmhurst, Michael's in Milton Fl..their dad passed away Jan this year, and I'm fine..would love for you and Lynda to connect..Blessings and love to you and your family...Jeanne (mom mears)

October 6, 2011

I have always had fond memories of Mr. Garbs. I'll never forget his saying I'll turn you more ways than sour kraut lays in a barrel. My prayers and thoughts are with you all. Tracy Black

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