Donald Clodfelter Obituary
Donald Glen Clodfelter, age 92, of Brownstown, passed away on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at Schneck Medical Center, Seymour, with his sons by his side.
Mr. Clodfelter grew up in Lafayette, where he spent as much time as possible on the Tippecanoe River, and graduated from Lafayette Jefferson High School in 1951. He went on to attend Purdue University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1955. While at Purdue, he was a member of the NROTC program and TKE Fraternity. Don later pursued graduate studies at Indiana University, earning his MBA in 1958.
Don began his career with Cummins Engine Company, where he worked from 1958 to 1969. He then joined Jackson County REMC, where he dedicated the remainder of his professional life until his retirement. During his tenure there, Don served as General Manager and Chief Executive Officer, guiding the organization with leadership and integrity.
Don served in the United States Navy aboard the USS Brownson (DD 868) from 1955 to 1957. He later retired from the Naval Reserve with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. In 2010, Don authored a book entitled Still a Sailor, which featured letters he wrote to his mother during his service in the United States Navy.
Community and business organizations played a meaningful role in Don's life. He was a founding member of the Jackson County Community Theatre, where he served as president for many years. The Lake & Forest Club in Brownstown was home to Don and Anne, where Don also served as president. He was an active member of the Exchange Club of Brownstown and Downtown Columbus. His commitment to the Exchange Club spanned more than 60 years, beginning his membership in 1960 and remaining devoted to its mission throughout his life.
Don loved spending time in his yard, gardening, exploring historical context through reading, and traveling. He also had a passion for fly fishing and boating. Don was an avid Purdue Boilermakers fan, who devoted much of his enthusiasm and ambition to supporting Purdue University and Purdue sports.
Family was Don's highest priority in life. He deeply loved his family, especially cherishing the time he spent traveling with his beloved wife, Anne. He took great pride in organizing educational trips with his family, which experiences they now treasure more than ever.
Born on September 5, 1933, in Lafayette, Don was the son of Glen and Emily (Schilling) Clodfelter, both of whom preceded him in death. On June 26, 1965, in Cookeville, Tennessee, he married Anne Eyler, and she survives in Brownstown.
Survivors also include two sons: Will (Nicole Nugent) Clodfelter of California, and Jon (Holly) Clodfelter of Fishers; and one granddaughter, Abby Clodfelter of California.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at W.R. Ewing in Brownstown. At 5:00 p.m., the family will share memories and raise a toast in honor of Don.
A private family graveside service will be held with military honors presented by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1925, American Legion Post 89, Disabled American Veterans 47, and Vietnam Vets 7.
Memorials may be given to the Jackson County Theatre, Brownstown Exchange Club, or the Don and Anne Clodfelter Scholarship Fund.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the caring staff at Spurgeon Funeral Home, Inc.
Online memories and condolences may be given at www.spurgeonfh.com
Published by The Republic on Oct. 21, 2025.