Robert Edward Clarin Jr.

March 24, 1943 - March 8, 2022

Robert Edward Clarin Jr. began his journey in life on March 24, 1943, in Gary, Indiana to the proud parents of Robert Edward Clarin Sr. and Pauline Esther (Hoverman) Clarin.  Surrounded by love and thick tradition from the start. Dad was blessed to grow up around his grandparents, many aunts, uncles, and cousins who he loved dearly.  Throughout life, Dad shared great memories and stories of these special people with his children and grandchildren.  Dad always had great stories or advice to share with all, a man with an overwhelming amount of knowledge!

Dad started life living in the big city of Chicago (South Side), becoming a big baseball fan at a young age.  His family loved the White Sox, and with tradition, so did our father.  Through the years his passion for the Chicago White Sox grew to almost an obsession.  He passed this great love down through his children,  especially to his grandson Nick. Open-wheel racing was also a great passion that ran through Dad's veins.  His love of Indy Cars began early, and it continued his whole life.  Dad attended many Indy 500's with family and friends.  For the last ten years, Dad was accompanied by his children and grandchildren to the Indy 500 race.   Dad also loved Notre Dame football and March Madness College basketball.

When my dad was a toddler, his father left to fight in the Pacific in WWII. At that time the family moved from Chicago to Mottville, Mi. to live on his grandparent's farm.  That is when the great love of the outdoors was born in Dad's soul.  Dad had so many great stories of all of the hunting and fishing trips that he had taken.  Many had Shelby in them.  All their youth was spent together either hunting, fishing or just being teen boys.  Dad's stories were taken from his hunting trips throughout Canada and the U.S., and the best bear hunt of his life.  He traveled to many states doing what he loved, with those he loved. This is another passion he passed down to his family.  Dad had many hunting and fishing trips with his daughters, and son, along with his grandsons and close friends.  Dads taught us safety first and then the love of the sport.

Dad was blessed to have great friends in life,  from the people at the turkey farm he worked at as a young man, to the fellow workers at AMS where he retired as a driver.  No matter where Dad was, he wasn't afraid to talk to a stranger.

Dad went to Constantine High School, graduating class of 1961.  He also attended Glen Oaks College for a degree in Electronics.

Dad was a faithful member of Ducks Unlimited and the NRA.

At age 20, Dad met our mother, Lola, while living on his family farm.  They married on April 3, 1963.  Dad and Mom spent many years going on multiple fishing and hunting trips with their lab.  They had three daughters, Delina, Christine, and Paula, and two sons Brian and John.  His kids were his whole world until he was later blessed with grandchildren.  He not only had grandchildren, but he also had great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.  Dad loved his children and grandchildren very much. and made sure each of us knew it.  He knew his love was greatly returned.  He did a great job raising us all.  As much as he loved his hunting and fishing, there was nothing above his family. Dad felt blessed to have the family he did. He loved knowing we all had his sense of humor and personality. and carried on the traditions that he instilled in us as they were instilled in him.  Tradition and family values were so important to him, along with love, hugs, and smooches.  Dad was a great man and he will be missed by so many.  He will be remembered and loved by all who knew him.  Dad lived a great life and his stories sure proved it from start to finish.

Until we meet again- Dad, Grandpa, Brother, and dear friend. We will remember and love you forever!

Those who passed before him are his parents Robert Edward Clarin Sr. and Pauline Esther (Hoverman) Clarin, brother Phillip Hoverman, our mother, Lola Pauline (Spring) Clarin, son Brian Phillip Clarin, Grandparents, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and a lot of great friends.

Those left to morn and carry on his love and traditions are his half-brother Shelby (Barbara) Hendren,  daughters Delina Speicher, Christine (Eric) Stockbarger, Paula (Steven Councell) Clarin, Son John (Amanda) Hewitt.  Grandchildren are Robin Copeland, Amy (Joe) Weible, Connie (Richard) Ezell, Mary (Jake) Thayer, Eddie (Dee) Jonker, Nick Taylor, Luna (Tyler) Sweat, Zack Taylor, Brooke Fingerle, Marissa (Lee) Taylor, Robert (Elizabeth) Clarin, Austin Taylor, Cody Duncan, DJ Sorg, Joseph Sorg.  Several great-grandchildren and many great-great-grandchildren.

A Memorial Mass will be held at St. John of the Cross Episcopal Church in Bristol, IN at 2 PM on March 26, 2022.  Reverend Jen Fulton will officiate.  Friends may visit with the family for an hour before the service at the church.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Ducks Unlimited.