Ronnie Clemons

Ronnie Clemons was born on December 25, 1946 to Lee and Mandy (Martin) Clemons in Hazard, KY. He died on Sunday, August 2, 2026 at South Bend Memorial Hospital after a sudden cardiac event. On June 7, 1966 he married Dorothy (Blankenship) Clemons, who survives. Ronnie would tell you to skip down to the most important paragraph, but because we’re so incredibly proud of him, we’re going to list some of his many accomplishments. Ronnie was a veteran of the United States Army Reserves from 1966 to 1972, during which time he was recognized with numerous awards. He served as Commander of the American Legion Post 92 for two terms and was recently honored with a pin for 50 years of consecutive membership of the Legion. For approximately thirty years Ronnie organized the “Christmas Food Baskets” project through the American Legion, providing around 50 baskets filled with food needed to provide a nice, full Christmas dinner for veterans and people in need. This program was very important to him. Ronnie retired from Tefft Bridge and Iron in 2010, having previously worked at Thermo Products, Cravens-Insul, Allis Chalmers, and others. He was a former North Judson Town Council Member and town police officer. He was known for dressing up as Santa, having been born on Christmas Day, and bringing Christmas cheer to many children. Ronnie was an avid hunter and fisherman and spent countless hours in the woods or on a riverbank. Ronnie’s volunteer work is extensive, and so many people were touched by his generosity, whether he was plowing snow or doing random acts of kindness for which he never wanted recognition, and many of which we probably don’t even know about. And now the most important paragraph: Ronnie’s family was his world. To him, his kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids made the world go ‘round. The greatest title he had was “Papaw.” His family will remember the way he dressed up as Santa, took them on trips (Rushville for family reunions, Kentucky, and Yellowstone were some favorites), taught them to hunt and fish, and so, so much more. He was a one-of-a-kind man whose laugh, jokes, and big heart will be missed more than words can express. Every encounter with him was a memory and nobody could tell a story or give a speech like he could. Nicknames were terms of endearment and if he gave you one, it’s all he ever called you. He will be remembered as being tough, ornery, honest, hardworking, loving, and the most selfless person we could ever have the honor of knowing. He never took and never asked for anything but gave so generously. We could never fully express what a big, caring heart he had. Ronnie’s family had the privilege of talking with Ronnie about Jesus, and he knew that Jesus Christ was his Lord and Savior. He looked forward to the day he could meet his Savior face-to-face with a body that was no longer limited by age, and to join the many loved ones who went before him, including the dad he lost as a teenager, his beloved mother, and six of his siblings. Along with Dorothy, his wife of sixty years, Ronnie is survived by two daughters, Connie (Scott) Miller and Sherri (Mike) Jachim, both of North Judson; four grandchildren, Caity “Chickadee” (Carl) Hinshaw of Knox, Jessica “Jet” (Milos) Martinovic, Ryne “Yie” (Taelor McClure) Miller, and David “D-A-VIE-D” (Keisha) Jachim, all of North Judson. The centers of his universe were his eleven great-grandchildren “the little women and little men”, Mady, Mason and McCoy “Tough Knuckles” Hinshaw, Violeta, Emilia, Luka and Aleksandar Martinovic, Juni “Punkin’ Pie” Jachim, Aurora and Ivy Miller, and Remmy Howard. Also surviving are one sister, Elvira Russell, and one sister-in-law, Bonnie Clemons. Additionally, he is survived by numerous nieces and nephews, as well as countless friends, whom he also considered as family. He was preceded by his parents, Lee and Mandy Clemons, siblings Estill Clemons, Lillie Mae Russell, Junie Lewandowski, Robert Clemons, Wilma Bradley, and Linda Owens, father and mother-in-law, Cotton and Caroline Blankenship. Visitation will be Friday, August 7, 2026 from 4-7pm (CST) at O’Donnell Funeral Home in North Judson. Funeral services are Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 11am (CST) with burial to follow at Highland Cemetery.

Ronnie Clemons

December 25, 1946 - August 2, 2026