So sorry for your loss and glad you are Christians. Such an upbeat and happy to be around person. I had a great time at a Cubs game we went to. Church softball was always a blast. He had a lot of joy in helping others.

              Peace, Brian Henderlong

Dear Monica, 
Gene and I are so very, very sorry at the passing of Robert. I met him years ago when Susie Rimstidt and I were with Citizen Advocacy of South Central Indiana and he was the Director for Christole. We were so impressed by his dedication and leadership there and when he continued with LifeDesigns, plus the many organizations he oversaw to help those with disabilities or those in need within our community.
God bless you and know you are in our prayers. You give strength to  Monroe County; you are a special person.
Blessings and virtual hugs for now,
Jo and Gene

Monica, I am so sorry for your and our loss. I have fond memories of Bert as part of the Sierra Leone Peace Corps community. Whenever Bert was present, there was lively conversation and activity. He brightened our lives.
Jon

Monica,

I was sad and, quite frankly, shocked to hear of Bert's passing. He was a good friend and, more importantly, a good, kind and caring person.  I have only good memories of the times I spent with Bert playing golf, and critiquing IU  basketball, many times over a pitcher at Nick's. Bert has been a part of many great memories for many people. He will be missed immensely. Our thoughts are with you.

Monica, sincere condolences in the passing of Bert.  I remember his sense of humor at our Church Council meeting and other times. He was a joy to work with.  In representing Immanuel Lutheran Church in Michigan City, we express our sympathy.  May you feel the loving arms of our Savior surround you  at this time and always.  
Lynette Johnston

Bert was such a wonderful part of the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors. I always enjoyed chatting with Bert during our board and committee meetings (and seeing him at the women's basketball games!). He brightened up the meetings and was a warm, thoughtful person to be around. We will miss him dearly. Sending my love and prayers.

Monica,
I have been in shock since I read of Bert's passing.  I have so many fond memories of our lunches together in MC.  I also remember several of us assisting him in re-roofing your MC house.  What a hoot that was overcoming our beer intake.  I still remember his "critique" of my beer choices, "I needed green bottles", he said!
Haven't enjoyed your company as much since your move to Bloomington but I continued to think of Bert as one of my best friends.  The last time I saw him was in Nashville, IN while I attended an administrator's conference.  Bert drove over and we enjoyed several hours catching up.  I had a great time and will cherish those times we had together forever.

Monica, 
I am so sorry to hear of Bert's passing. I have such fond memories of him in Sierra Leone. He was thoughtful, wise, kind and wickedly funny. I know he was such a blessing to you, your family and community. He will be so deeply missed.  
Martha 

So sorry for your loss.  I consider "Bert" one of the few true gentlemen I have know in my life. I worked  with him professionally when I was a commercial lender and he was at Christole.  Also served with him at the Brown County Community Foundation.  A good person. 
  


Monica, I am still in shock over seeing this in the paper. I have lost one of the best friends I have ever had. When you guys were up here, there were very few people as important to me as you and Bert. I will treasure the memories of the things we did. At my next official trivia night I will be dedicating at least one question to Bert. I truly feel that he was to me, in every sense of the word, MY BROTHER. I will miss him tremendously. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Love always, Mark.

Dear Miss Monica,
I am so very sorry. I, like you, met Mr. Bert in Philadelphia in the fall of 1982. In the years that followed we would drink palm wine along dusty roads in Sierra Leone and buckets of beer at the quaint confines of Nick’s. We would sup on cassava leaf in a Freetown chop shop and feast on unparalleled cuts of steak at Zagreb’s. It was often unbearably hot or bone-chillingly cold. Whatever the weather, fare or occasion, spending time with both of you was easy. It was comforting, simply comforting. I always looked up to Bert as if he were the older brother I did not have.   Why? He treated me fairly, with dignity, respect and his own brand of compassion. While his exterior often presented a surly facade, he was as sweet as a person could be. He dedicated his life to helping others and he was fortunate to live the best years of his life with a kindred soul.  While ole Mr. Bert has gone he will live on through you and all of us that were truly touched by his grace. Peace to you, Dear Miss Monica.

Monica - So sorry to hear of Bert’s passing. I deeply appreciated all his work in LaPorte County both at Parents & Friends and at Swanson Center. He was funny, warm, bright, charismatic, thoughtful, and a positive leader. He is gone too early and will be deeply missed by many

I am thankful for Bert's presence in Brown County. Being President of the Rotary Club of Brown County and his leadership at the Brown County Community Foundation.

Bert Clemons a life well lived.

Monica, we are so sorry to hear that Bert passed away. Luis and I are heart broken. Though are contacts were few over the years, we could catch up in a Gary minute.

May God comfort and remind you that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.

God bless you.

Mario & Luis Rosa
West Side  "71"

Bert was always one for a good joke.  Will miss seeing you across the way at I.U. Women’s basketball games.  We always knew where you would be sitting.  There is a begonia that goes on my porch every year that dates back to one that was on a table for one of those annual reports to donors.

(In memory of)  Bert,   I saw you make the best shot off of hard tack fairway...... from about 150 yards out......  that I’ve ever seen: Straight up high & soft down on the green landing right by the pin! Nice shot, buddy.  Al

I met Bert at IU women's basketball games. He was in the bleachers with us over the years, cheering passionately for our team, even taking the bus to some away games. I loved sharing this time with Bert. Our little group even had some lunches together when the IUWBB season was over as we enjoyed each other's company so much. Bert was upbeat and had a wonderful sense of humor. I know he cared deeply about his work and helping others. I will miss him a great deal. I cannot even imagine the sense of loss that his family and close friends must feel at this time. My deepest condolences  to all who knew him well.


A bigger than life personality, astute and hilarious, he had all the qualities of someone who made an indelible mark on me among a cast of Peace Corps Volunteer characters. We served together in one of the worlds poorest countries, which he tackled with warmth and respect for the challenges faced by our Sierra Leoneon communities. And he always added a huge chuckle despite the hurdles along the way. He was a dear friend I will miss very much. He adored Monica who was among the best at getting us all organized. Monica, please let us know if there’s a charity or way we can contribute in his glorious name. We go see back Mista Bert, walka safful bra.

I'll miss seeing you at the IU baseball games.  A lot of good memories over the past 5 years and I had looked forward to them continuing in 2021. Always enjoyed your company and watching you score the IU games from first pitch to the bitter end.  

Monica, we certainly did not have the pleasure of knowing Bert intimately but from afar, through Leah & Peter’s friendship with you. What we knew, Bert was a true servant of God. He walked as Christ would want us. He demonstrated unconditional love for all. His contribution to the world was tremendous. He will be missed for he made a difference. You have our sympathy. Tom and Jan Sinn   ❤️🙏

I met Bert in September, 1984 at the Sierra Leone Peace Corps "CREST" in Philadelphia, PA, where we were hotel roommates. Shared many adventures with him, some great, some less so, as PC agriculture volunteers over the next 2 years. Bert was a complex, compelling, charismatic guy and a critical element in the glue that bound our tight knit group, though I'm not sure he realized that. A man's man who loved IU basketball and a good drink, but also fine art, capable of searing insights and thoughtful sensitivity too.  "One of a kind" definitely applies here. Bert, ol' buddy, the world is a bit less special without you in it. I'll toast your memory with some good whiskey. Al Bradford

Rest in peace, Bert.  You were a great friend and mentor.  The golf was fun, but the companionship was more precious.  See you on the other side!

Dear Monica,
A friend of 40+ years doesn't come along every day.  We first met him at University Lutheran Church in Bloomington.   We remember all the good times we had with Bert, especially when he lived with our family on 2nd Street.   He was "Uncle Bert" to Jeremy and Matthew.  He became part of our family.  He was fun, funny, serious, caring, and loved life and God.  Glad he got back to Bloomington, IU sports, WFIU, and all the great people and fond memories.   He always wanted to give back, and that's why you found him in the Peace Corps.   Helping and loving people wasn't work, it was his purpose.    We pray for you and others who loved him and mourn his loss.   Rest in peace, our dear friend and brother Robert.
Love,
Nancy and John 

Bert was a remarkable person who gave so much to so many. We will miss spending time together. Many joyful memories  hangin out having a few beers discussing IU sports, gardening, traveling, and most importantly how to help others. Monica, we are here for you and pray God's peace will comfort you in all the days to come.

OBITUARY

Robert Charles Clemons

June 28, 1953 – April 25, 2020

Day & Deremiah-Frye Funeral Home

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