Robert E. Clemons

Robert E. Clemons

Of Deposit, NY

Robert E. Clemons, 89, passed away Monday, March 10th at Wilson Memorial Hospital in Johnson City, New York.

Bob was born on May 26, 1935, in Oneonta, New York to Charles and Dolly Clemons. He attended Oneonta School and enlisted in the Marine Corps when he was 18 years old. He started his Marine career at Camp Lejune, North Carolina and there served four years. During that time, he met and married Patricia Mihalkovic whom he shared 65 years of marriage. Bob qualified for the elite Force Recon Marines, entering jump school at a nearby Army base, receiving his jump wings, successfully logging 90 parachute jumps. He was then stationed in Hawaii at Naval Ammunition Base Lualualei, Oahu where he spent the next three years. Called into combat, he served two tours of duty in the Vietnam War. During that time, he became a drill instructor holding the rank of Gunnery Sergeant.  His last orders were to Marine Barracks 8th and I in Washington, DC serving there for four years, and then retiring from the Marine Corps in 1973.

Bob relocated to Deposit, New York, went to the Police Academy in Binghamton, New York, and became Police Chief for the Village of Deposit. He served the Village for 22 years. He retired completely at that time.

Bob was very active in the Deposit community as a member of the First United Methodist Church and choir member for over 40 years. A member of Rotary, he was past president and a Paul Harris fellow. He belonged to the American Legion, NRA, Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) and was Constable for the Town of Deposit. Bob was extremely proud to be a part of the Mayflower Society with five lines of ancestors to the Mayflower.

Bob also had many hobbies and interests some of which included Antique Engine Club, beekeeper, competitive muzzleloader events, and restoring antique cars. Bob loved gardening and his vegetable garden was legendary and shared with family and friends. He was an expert marksman and black powder enthusiast which he enjoyed as an avid outdoorsman hunting and fishing.  He loved their cottage at Bass Lake in Ontario, Canada and spent many summers there with Pat, family and friends.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Patricia Mihalkovic Clemons, son Robert J. Clemons (Michelle), grandchildren Zachary, Emma and Andrew Clemons, sister Margaret Rosenberg, brother Will Clemons and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, his mother-in -law, father- in- law and brother.

Calling hours will be Tuesday, March 18th at Hennessey's Funeral Home, 78 Second St. Deposit, New York from 5-7 with a funeral service Wednesday, March 19th at First United Methodist Church of Deposit 109 Second St. Deposit, NY, at 11:00 am. Interment will be at Hale Eddy Cemetery after the service.

Memorial donations (in lieu of flowers) may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Deposit in Bob’s memory.