Thomas Elliot Clemens, 71, of Columbia City, died at 8:00 a.m. Thursday, December 31, at his home.

He was born August 1, 1949, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, a son of the late Bert E. and Ethel B. (Wheeler) Clemens. He grew up in Kalamazoo and graduated from Loy Norrix High School.

On March 19, 1969, he joined the U.S. Navy and served aboard the USS John S. McCain guided-missile destroyer during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged on March 10, 1971.

He returned to Kalamazoo.  In the late 1980s, he moved to Columbia City.

He started work locally at Bluffton Rubber, Churubusco, Dana Corporation, Columbia City for about eight years. He was a seasonal worker at Walmart and then worked full-time for a year at Dollar General, Columbia City.

Surviving are four sons, Sean Clemens, Ryan Clemens, Kiel Clemens and Sterling Clemens; three sisters, Barbara Klok of Michigan, Margaret Clemens and Amy Craig of Arizona and a brother, Roger Clemens of Columbia City; and a foster-daughter, Carmela Jimenez of Kentucky

There will be no services. Burial will take place at a later date at Marion National Cemetery in Marion. Arrangements are by Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.