Frank Clemons

Frank Charles Clemons was born to the late Zelma Ferguson Clemons and Frank Charles Clemons on January 18, 1920. The Clemons family was an active part of the Second Methodist Church, today known as the New Hope United Methodist Church of Anderson, Indiana. Frank was a tremendously gifted athlete. He was a 1938 graduate of Anderson High School and a 1949 graduate of the University of Toledo with a degree in education. While at the University of Toledo Frank lettered in football, basketball, and track. Of the three sports he most remembered for the way he excelled in basketball highlighted by his selection to Converse magazines Madison Square Garden All- American Team following UT’s appearance in the 1942 National Invitational Tournament. Aside from his heroics on the basketball court, he was recognized for his gridiron talents by being drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles. True to his spirit Frank opted to serve his country in World War II instead of pursuing the offer. Frank’s college career was interrupted by his enlistment in the United States Army. Before being deployed to the South Pacific he married Hortense Harriet Fatio of Toledo, Ohio on August 30, 1943. During his service, Frank rose to the rank of Major in the Field Artillery. His dedication to duty and outstanding performance led to him receiving the Bronze Star for “meritorious achievement” while serving in combat operations in the Philippines Islands. Frank and Hortense raised three children (Frank, Fatino, and Edward) and he worked diligently over the years as a YMCA Director, Personnel Manager of the Rossford Ordinance Depot, and furniture consultant at several department stores in Toledo. Frank’s love for the University of Toledo was constant throughout the years. In 1981 he was voted into the Varsity “T” Hall of Fame. During the 1993-94 school years he served as the President of the University of Toledo Alumni Association. He was the first African-American President in the history of the Alumni Association. During that same year he also received the Minority Alumni Affiliate Outstanding Alumnus Award. Other honors received from the University include the 1995 Alumni Association’s “Blue T” awarded to a graduate of the University who has made outstanding contributions to the progress and development of the Alumni Association and many other honors over the years. Aside from the University, Frank was a person who gave all of himself to his community and church. He demonstrated his love of God by serving as a Sunday School Teacher at Braden United Methodist Church, other activities memberships include: Ohio Veteran's Hall of Fame, MUO Board of Trustees, Toledo University of Toledo Foundation Trustee, Board of Trustees Medical College of Ohio, Seagate Food Bank Board of Trustees, Lord in the Top Ladies of Distinction, American Cancer Society Board, University of Toledo Minority Affiliate Service Award, Indiana Black Hall of Fame Basketball, Anderson Black Expo Hall of Fame, University of Toledo, College of Education Affiliate Alumni, Lay leader emeritus of United Methodist Church, Ohio Republican Council, Association for the study of Afro-American life and history, YMCA of Greater Toledo (Chair, Athletic Director), NAACP, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, admissions participant U.S Military academy, President Northwest Ohio West Point Parent Club, Retired Reserve's Officer Association, UT Hall of Fame, University of Toledo "I" Club, President Toledo Golden Gloves Association, Toledo Boxing Commission, All American Basketball Player, Toledo Basketball Commission. Frank was preceded in death by grandson Mark A. Clemons, great granddaughters Ashonte Fields and Dominique Clemons, two sisters Josephine Page and Juanita Crooms, two brothers Hugh Lee Clemons, and Rev. Clarence Clemons. Frank is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Hortense Fatio Clemons; sons, Frank C Clemons III (Shirley), Edward F. Clemons (Denise) of Audubon, PA, daughter Fatino M. Kincaide (Clyde) of Inkster, MI; grandchildren, Frank Clemons IV (Angie), Charles (Edith) Clemons of Oklahoma City, OK, Tamela (Melvin) Fields El Paso, TX, Clyde Kincaide III, of Inkster, MI, Nicole Clemons of Audubon, PA, Marcus E. Clemons, Audubon, PA, Great Grand Children, Latrice Galloway, Frank Clemons V, Alleya Clemons, Kayla Clemons, Vernon Lawrence, Tianna and Jada Clemons, one Great Great Grandchild Heaven Galloway, sisters, Marietta Wright and Geneva Adams of Anderson , Indiana; and a host of nieces, nephews,cousins other relatives and dear friends. YOU HAVE MADE US ALL BETTER PEOPLE- THANK YOU. ________________________________________ Visitation will be Sunday 3 – 8 p.m. with Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Rites at 6:00 p.m. Dale-Riggs Funeral Home Chapel. Monday visitation will be 10:00a.m. followed by funeral services at 11:00 a.m. Braden United Methodist Church, Rev. Wynston E. Dixon officiant, entombment Ottawa Hills Memorial Park. Memorial donations can be made to The Frank and Hortense Clemons Scholarship Fund c/o University of Toledo Foundation. Make checks payable to the University of Toledo Foundation or go online to www.utfoundation.com. All cards, flowers and memorials should be sent to Dale-Riggs Funeral Home 572 Nebraska Avenue, Toledo, OH 43604.

Frank Clemons

April 21, 2008