Bryan T. Clemens

Bryan T. (Tillman) Clemens, 91, of Altoona, FL, went to be with his Lord at 9:50 pm Saturday, October 11, 2025 in Lakeview Terrace Rehabilitation Center in Altoona, FL. He had said goodbye to his wife, Norma, then later passed quietly in his sleep.

Bryan was born January 22, 1934, in Sweetwater, OK, to the late Ben Tillman and Lou Ella (Thornton) Clemens. On December 14, 1952, in Pampa, TX, he married Odessa Louise (Wilson) Clemens who passed December 10, 2017. On July 22, 2018, he married Norma F. (Graybeal) Jordan who survives.

Bryan received his undergraduate degree from Wayland Baptist University, in Plainview, TX, in 1959, his M.S. in 1963 and his Ph.D. in 1969 from Purdue University. In his educational profession he served as a school teacher and guidance counselor, including Lewis Cass Jr/Sr High in Walton, IN, and Caston School Corp in Fulton, IN. He served as Dean of Students at Wayland Baptist University in Plainview, TX and several positions at Purdue University including Associate Dean and Dean of Men.

In his service as a pastor, Bryan ministered in several churches in Texas, Indiana and Florida. His major pastorates include Miami Baptist Church, Adamsboro, IN (1963-1967); Blue Ball Church, Walton, IN (1971-1979); Metea Baptist Church (1979-85,1990-99). He also held numerous interim pastorates during his “retirement”. He continued to serve, preach, and comfort the sick until he was called home. It is said, “Bryan can’t not pastor”. As he always said, “This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it! Also, always remember Phil. 4:19 ‘And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.’ Well done, good and faithful servant.

Bryan enjoyed people. He played board games with his friends. In his younger life, he enjoyed vegetable gardening. He traveled on several mission trips. Bryan and Louise’s home was always open to family and friends. Anyone who knew him knew how much he loved to buy and sell cars.

Survivors including his wife, Norma, and two daughters, Kathrine Hamel, Deltona, FL; Sharon Whitmore, Silver Spring, Maryland; and two sons, Daniel (Debra) Clemens, Springboro, OH; Ben (Debbie) Clemens, Indianapolis, IN; twelve grandchildren, nineteen great grandchildren; and his brother David (Debra) Clemens of San Angelo, TX, also several nieces and nephews.

Bryan is preceded in death by his parents, wife Louise, sister Wanda (Rex) Newkirk and brother Dwaine (Amy) Clemens.

A southern celebration of life will be held at Lakeview Terrace Retirement Community Club House Auditorium Saturday, November 8 at 11:00 am.

A northern celebration of life will start at 3:00 pm Saturday, November 8, 2025, in the Metea Baptist Church, Metea, IN. Visitation will begin at 2:00 pm. Burial will follow the service in the Metea Cemetery.

The family is grateful for the services of the Beyers Funeral Home in Umatilla, FL and the Gundrum Funeral Home in Logansport, IN.

Bryan often signed letters with the encouragement “Phil 4:13 "I can do all things through him who strengthens me". So it only seems right to sign his final letter with the same.