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BORN
1934
DIED
2017
Robert Clements Obituary
Clements
Oct. 10, 1934 - July 11, 2017
SOUTH BEND - Robert Brooke Clements, Ph.D., devoted husband of fifty-nine years to his high school sweetheart, Nancy Margaret Babcock Clements, died unexpectedly and peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, July 11, 2017. A life-long resident of South Bend, Indiana, Dr. Clements was born October 10, 1934 to Walter and Loretta Clements. After graduating from Central High School, he earned a bachelor of arts degree in History, French, and German, at his cherished alma mater, St. John's University in Collegeville, MN. He went on to obtain master's and doctorate degrees in history from the University of Notre Dame.
A humble, purposeful, and religious man, Robert Clements found great joy and meaning through his 52 year teaching career at three secondary schools in South Bend: Central, Brown, and Riley. He complemented his career with the South Bend Schools by teaching history at Indiana University South Bend for many years. He also created correspondence courses for Indiana University's distance education program.
Dr. Clements made a positive difference in the lives of thousands of people through his example and his teaching.
Robert and Nancy raised their large loving family in the home on Park Avenue where Robert was raised. He was preceded in death by two daughters, Loretta Angela and Susan Marie. He is survived by his wife, Nancy, six children and their spouses: Brooke and Juanita Clements of Vancouver, Canada; Walter and Linda Clements of Lakeside, MI; Edward Clements of Indianapolis, IN; Margaret Clements and Jerry Horner of Bloomington, IN; Nancy and Paul Browning of Rockville, MD; Catherine Clements and Jay Barbus of Indianapolis, IN; as well as ten grandchildren, and three great- grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for your prayers and memorial contributions to the Susan Clements Memorial Fellowship through the Indiana University Foundation Account #0370004643 or to the Susan Clements Fund in the Program of Liberal Studies at the University of Notre Dame.
The Clements family will honor Robert's life at a memorial mass at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in South Bend on August 12 at 10:30 a.m. followed by a reception. Family and friends may leave e-mail condolences at www.welsheimer.com.
Weblink to an article written about Robert Clements in the South Bend Tribune in 2008: http://articles.southbendtribune.com/2008-05-09/news/26844031_1_golden-apple-teacher-burnout-teaching-students
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Memories and Condolences
for Robert Clements
Annamari Legge
August 12, 2017
Dear Clements family,Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Our deepest sympathy.Annamaria Legge and family
David Schindler
August 8, 2017
My heart goes out to the dear Clements family on the unexpected passing of Robert. Learning of this sad event evokes also profound memories of wonderful daughter/sister Susan, who was my student and student assistant so many years ago at Notre Dame. May our dear Lord remain present to you all in his abundant peace.
Christina Henry, nee Oswalt
July 29, 2017
Dr Clements (he insisted I call him Mr Clements though) was my mentor teacher when I did my student teaching many years ago. He was a kind and dedicated teacher and mentor. Although I did not pursue a career in education, I took with me in life the many lessons he taught me about how to be a good human being. Condolences to his family.
sharon renforth
July 27, 2017
Thought are with you Nancy and your family. Thinking of you!
July 23, 2017
Rest in Heaven, Mister Clements.
You were a great teacher and a very good mentor to me. I will always remember you with fondness. Thank you for your years of service to the community.
Stuart
July 22, 2017
I always enjoyed talking with Bob but, sadly for me,we could rarely extend the conversation during lunch. He would meet the love of his life in the school parking lot. Mrs. Clements, whom he always comfortably expressed his affection and pronounce to me how fortunate he was to have such a wonderful bride, would share a lunch so they could be together during the school day. I observed Bob as a committed teacher and colleague. I can only imagine the wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather he was to all who were exposed to his exemplary example of decency and kindness. Miss ya Bob.
Daniel Brewer
July 20, 2017
I had Dr. Clements for French class at Central High School in the late 60s and have always remembered what a nice man he was.
Rest eternal grant unto Robert, Oh Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon him. May he rest in peace.
Tasha Aichele
July 19, 2017
Mr. Clements was a Wonderful teacher!!! I remember a time where I was trying to sneak one by him, can't remember what, and he told me that you can't sneak one pass me, in sweet and funny way. He will be Missed!!!
My Thoughts and Prayers are sent that way to the Family Xoxox ♡♡♡♡♡
Luis Andalon
July 19, 2017
I was a student teacher for Dr. Clements in the Spring of '98. Dr. Clements was a kind and gentle man in every sense of the word. I don't think I ever saw him get flustered.
My condolences to the Clements Family.
July 18, 2017
I am home in Heaven, dear ones; Oh, so happy and so bright! There is perfect joy and beauty in this everlasting light.
All the pain and grief is over, every restless tossing passed; I am now at peace forever, safely home in Heaven at last.
Did you wonder I so calmly trod the valley of the shade? Oh! but Jesus' love illumined every dark and fearful glade.
And He came Himself to meet me in that way so hard to tread; and with Jesus' arm to lean on, could I have one doubt or dread?
Then you must not grieve so sorely, for I love dearly still: try to look beyond earth's shadows, pray to trust our Father's Will.
There is work still waiting for you, so you must not idly stand; do it now, while life remaineth - you shall rest in Jesus' land.
When that work is all completed, He will gently call you Home; Oh, the rapture of that meeting, Oh, the joy to see you come!
- Priests of the Sacred Heart
Love you all,
Cousin Sally
Leona Johnston
July 18, 2017
What a wonderful man! What a wonderful loving family. My late husband Bruce and I had the privilege of teaching with him at Brown Middle School. I also taught with him at Riley. Many of his children were Bruce's students at Madison and Brown and I had the pleasure of teaching them at both Brown and LaSalle. He had only kind words to say about everyone with whom he came in contact. He was a man who truly loved his chosen profession and lived by the values of his faith each and every day. You are in my prayers! Leona Bobin Johnston
Mike Vaszari
July 17, 2017
Bob's family and my family were both parish enters at St. Patrick's Church. Bob, his wife Nancy and children were all wonderful people. I enjoyed coaching their son Walter in basketball. It thoughts and prayers are with the Clements family at this time.
Tim Braunsdorf
July 17, 2017
So sorry for your loss. He was one of the most friendliest men I have ever met.
EARL TOWNSEND JR
July 17, 2017
He was one of my best teacher that I had, Mr. Clements was my teacher at Central High School in 1961.God bless the family.
Keith Aichele
July 17, 2017
Always gregarious, kind to his students, and extremely knowledgeable. I truthfully don't remember every teacher that I had in my long 12 year trek through the grades. Some made some lasting impressions. Mr. Clements is definitely one of those teachers. His hands on teaching style using media to try and display what it was like being in the different times periods he taught inspired many more than just me. Godspeed. Rest in piece, sir.
Sarah Hoff
July 17, 2017
I was in Mr. Clements' class 20 years ago at Riley. He was remarkable-- full of nothing but humor, kindness, and respect and affection for his students. God bless and rest well, Clem.
Dianne Greaves
July 17, 2017
He was a wonderful teacher who inspired so many students!
Brent Troxel
July 17, 2017
Mr. Clements was my favorite teacher in high school. He made learning so much fun! He will be missed by many. R.I.P. Mr. Clements.
July 17, 2017
My condolences to the Clements family . Your father was a remarkable man who along with Mrs Clements, raised a wonderful family.
Richard Pennino
Tom Degan
July 17, 2017
The wisest, gentlest gent that ever walked this good earth. He was not only my uncle and godfather, he was my inspiration. For every being that goes before me, I fear it less and less. A toast to you in the still of the night, Uncle Bob....
July 16, 2017
Dr. Clements was not only the greatest teacher I had the pleasure of learning from, but he was the best example I've ever witnessed of what a great human being should be. This city has suffered a great loss with his passing, but has gained more from his presence than anyone could ask for. Rest in peace Clem.
BJ Geraci
July 16, 2017
Prayers with your family. Wonderful teacher at Riley! Just thinking about our history class makes me smile, thanks to Mr Clements.
Class of 1989
Rob Bucher
July 16, 2017
Mr. Clements, I truly hope to have a sliver of the positive effect on my students that you have had on yours. Such patience and calm in the tempestuous world of public school is rarely seen. Your example will be remembered for as long as I continue to teach. Godspeed sir.
Joy Ibrahim
July 16, 2017
I will always remember Mr. Clements. He was a sweet, caring, intelligent, funny and passionate history teacher at Riley. Blessed to have been his student. My condolences to his family.
David Van Goey
July 16, 2017
So sorry for your loss, thoughts and prayers are with you.
Rick Rodefer
July 16, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss. I grew up on Park Avenue. I was younger than Bob, but I remember he and his good friend, Tom Jabe would play basketball with the guys from the neighborhood behind Madison School. My wife, Penny Richardson was lucky to have had Bob for a teacher at Central,and I was lucky to have known Bob. Again , I am sorry for your loss.
Brian Fisher
July 16, 2017
Mr. Clements was my favorite teacher in high school. He was such a kind person, and he is the reason why I still love, and read, history books to this day!
Rest in Paradise
Fred Myers
July 16, 2017
Condolences from the Myers family, from over on Forest Ave. The Clements's basketball court was the one place I did anything sportive, and Mr. Clements encouraged me. That's always stayed with me. From my student days at South Bend Central; to my children's years at Riley; to bumping into him and Mrs. Clements at church and at Martin's in recent years; I've always felt that encouragement.
Keiko Leonard
July 16, 2017
Mr. Clements was one of the kindest teachers I have ever had the pleasure of working with. He will be greatly missed by many.
Eric Chapman
July 16, 2017
My thoughts and prayers to your family . I had him for social studies at Riley high school in the early 80's. While I wasn't a fan of the course material , he made it both interesting and fun to learn . Had a lot of teachers over the years and he was always one of favorites . Not only a great teacher but a great man away from the classroom .
Eric Chapman
Melody Golubski
July 16, 2017
Bob was a great man and gifted teacher. I worked with him at Riley. He was always happy and kind, ready to help with anything. My condolences to the family.
Dear Friend
Christopher Daniels
July 16, 2017
Mr. Clements aka "Clem"... Wow.. Where do I begin.... His personality and compassion for Us as His students seemed more like a friendship. He use to make Us laugh everyday. He was my favorite teacher at Riley as their were many to appreciate. Im so sorry to hear about His passing and always had Him in my prayers. My sincerest condolences goes out to the Family and dear friends ax well the entire Riley Wildcat Family. Thank You Mr. Clements for all that You gave Us. You will be certainly missed but never forgotten for the lives You impacted and changed. Love You Clem... Rest in eternal peace my friend...
Lisa
July 16, 2017
Best teacher ever!
Corliss Harris
July 16, 2017
One of my most memorable teachers. Carpe Diem! above his door was how I remember his. Starting class with that Latin saying and his endless optimism. Rest in peace Mr. Clement. I'm sure God said well done!
Chelsea Warren
July 16, 2017
My deepest sympathy to Mr. Clement's family... He was my high school history teacher and truly a great one... I just seen him last week he comes into my job almost daily.... Going to be missed...
Mike Johnson
July 16, 2017
RIP Mr. Clements...always down to earth and funnier then he knew.
July 16, 2017
Mr. Clements was a soft spoken, caring teacher. He had an interest in each student. He will be missed by all his students.
Dawn Hoffman Smith, Riley, Class of 1988
Stephanie Saros
July 16, 2017
I had Mr.Clements in high scohool and he was my favorite! I am greek and we would have great conversations about how he grew up in "little greece" as he called it. He always had a smile on his face and always made others smile. He will be missed.
Abigail Brown
July 16, 2017
Mr. Clements was a truly exceptional person. He was my teacher at Riley High School, and I will never forget the joy and laughter he brought into the classroom. He had a special way about him that reached even the toughest of students. Class clowns would often act out in his room, but instead of getting mad, he joked right back at them. Everyone loved Mr. Clements. Today, I am a teacher myself, and I often think back in admiration at his cool, laid back teaching style. The positive impact he had on so many lives is imeasurable. There is no doubt he will be missed. RIP Mr. Clements.
Courtney Crone
July 16, 2017
Hi my name is Courtney Crone. I have a lot of memories with him. He was fun and always help his students and me as well. He encouraged his students to do better. I had an interpreter because of my hearing disability and he never made me feel like I was an outsider. May he rest in peace.
Keith Singleton
July 16, 2017
Condolences to the Clements family. Mr. Clements was a great teacher and will be missed by many.
Carl Henry
July 16, 2017
Thoughts and prayers to the family. He was one of my favorite teaches at Riley High School - Carl Henry
Kiley Rigby
July 16, 2017
I'm so sorry he's gone. He was my favorite social studies teacher at Riley Highschool. He made history easy and fun.
Cynthia
July 16, 2017
So sorry to hear that Mr. Clements has passed. He was an amazing teacher and one of my favorites from Riley. I will be praying for your family during this difficult time.
July 16, 2017
Our prayers for the Clements family. From the Rockwell family from the old neighborhood. Many basketball games took place at your court on Park ave. Thank you for putting up with all that noise. I for one enjoyed knowing your court was always open to us kids. Many times I have thought how all the parents in the neighborhood watched after everyone's kids.
Andrea
July 16, 2017
Sorry for your loss but Mr. Clemments made learning a joy. May prayers be with you at this time.
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