Obituary of Robert Clemons

Olean Robert W. Clemons of 120 Coleman Street, passed away Tuesday (June 14, 2011) at Millard Fillmore Gates Circle in Buffalo after a short illness. Born April 14, 1951 in Olean, NY he was the son of Robert and Irene Gayton Clemons. Mr. Clemons was a graduate of Olean High School and then enlisted in the US Marines where he served during the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1970. He had been employed for several years for Allegany State Park and then later for Cattaraugus County as a laborer at the refuse stations. He was known by all as a tireless advocate for any veteran. He served as a past commander for the Olean VFW Post 1619 and dedicated his time to helping the Post in many ways. It seemed fitting that his death occurred on June 14, Flag Day, as he made great efforts to take care of old and tattered flags. He was an active member of the Olean American Legion Post 530 as well. While he was many things to a lot of different people, all will remember him as a selfless man who cared about people both in and out of the military. Surviving are his mother of Olean; four children Jason (Leslie) Clemons of Olean, Gloria (Michael) Burroughs of Cattaraugus, Selena (Tom) Kelemen of Charlotte, NC and Rob Clemons of Phoenix, AZ; four grandchildren Selena, Jaylin, Nicholas and Aya; three sisters Carolyn (Louis) Fuller of Olean, Irene R. Clemons of Cincinnati, OH and Lori Clemons of Buffalo; three brothers Arthur (Karen) Clemons, Mark (Josie) Clemons and Carl Clemons, all of Olean and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by one sister Ruthie Shorter. Friends will be received at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home 3128 W. State Rd. Olean on Sunday from 5 until 8pm. Funeral services will be held Monday (June 20, 2011) at 11:00am in the funeral home followed by full military services to be accorded by the Allegany American Legion Ritual Team. Pastor Jay Gilbert of the Rock of Revelation Church in Olean will officiate. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Olean VFW Post 1619, P.O Box 457 Olean, NY 14760.