Obituary of Harmon Benjamin Clemmons

El Paso, TX -Harmon Benjamin "Ben" Clemmons, 84, a retired United States Postal Inspector and devoted husband, father and grandfather, passed away on February 1, 2010, after a long battle with heart disease. Ben was born in Ocala, Florida on March 31, 1925, to Harmon and Grace Clemmons. Upon graduation from high school at Citra, Florida, he attended The University of Florida in Gainesville. After the outbreak of WW II, Ben enlisted in the Army Air Corps where he attained the rank of Flight Officer/Lieutenant. Upon completing his service in 1945, he transferred to Emory at Oxford in Oxford, Georgia, and completed his education at Emory University in Atlanta, where he met his future wife of 59 years, Jean. After graduation, Ben worked as a farmer and teacher/coach in Reddick, Florida. In 1950, Ben and Jean married and settled down in Citra, where he worked as a Rural Carrier for the United States Postal Service. After 12 years in Citra, Ben joined the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and moved the family to El Paso, where he retired in 1982. After retirement, Ben became a licensed agent with the William B. White Insurance Agency in El Paso. In addition, he was a freelance insurance investigator. Ben's life revolved around his devotion to God, his church and his family. He and his family attended St. Luke United Methodist Church when they arrived in El Paso in 1962 and never left. Over the years, he served the church in many capacities, including Lay Leader, Chairman of the Staff/Parish Relations Committee and unofficial Photographer, and was active in the United Methodist Men and the "Geezers Breakfast Club". He also taught Sunday School and Confirmation classes for many years, mentoring many young adults. On several occasions, in the absence of the regular minister, he even led the Sunday services. In addition, he was a Mason in the Island Grove, Florida Lodge for over 50 years. His guiding principle in life was that he was somebody special but no better than the next man, and he encouraged the same in his children. Ben is survived by his wife, Jean, his son, Harmon B. "Chip" Jr. (Terri) of Dexter, NM, his daughter, Debbie Romero of Bellevue, WA, grandchildren Jenny and Panch, step-grandchildren Jessica, Josh and Christal, his brothers, Elton and H. L. (Mary Fred), as well as several nieces and nephews. A memorial service celebrating Ben's life will be held on Saturday, February 13, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. at Citra United Methodist Church. Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m., just before the service. A burial service will be held afterwards at the Citra Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made either to the Citra United Methodist Church Building Fund (P. O. Box 178, Citra, FL 32113) or to the Citra Historical Society (P. O. Box 1033, Citra, FL 32113). Arrangements by Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, 910 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala.