Donald Clemens, 37-year professor of chemistry, dies at 86

During his time at Goshen College, Clemens was not only a beloved chemistry professor and advisor to many students, but he was also heavily involved in other campus activities. For years, he served as the faculty athletic representative, working with student-athletes and ensuring their eligibility to play, among many other duties. He also served as the college’s pre-med adviser. And along with his wife, Marie, he led a Study-Service Term unit to Nicaragua in 1970, and led three units to Belize in 1978 and 1979.

In all his roles, Clemens was noted for his rapport with students and the individual attention he would give each student working with him – often staying in contact with his students as they went on to get graduate and doctoral degrees.

“Don was a very supportive colleague in my early years as a professor at Goshen College,” said Dan Smith, professor of chemistry and department chair. “He cared deeply about his students and their progress. He was also continually trying to strengthen the department’s ability to train those students in the increasingly complex world of modern chemistry.”

Along with his work on the GC campus, Clemens spent sabbatical terms as a visiting scholar at the University of Notre Dame, as a scholar-in-residence at the University of Pennsylvania and as a research scientist at Scripps Institution of Oceanography.

After his retirement in 2004, Clemens remained active in the Goshen community, attending College Mennonite Church and volunteering at numerous local nonprofits, including many years at the local food pantry, The Window.

Clemens was born in Elroy, Pennsylvania in 1939, and attended Christopher Dock Mennonite High School before studying at Goshen. He married Marie in Quakertown, Pennsylvania, in 1961.

He is survived by Marie; their daughters Rhonda (David) Talbott ’87 of Indianapolis and Denise (Michael) Murphy ’90 of Goshen; their five grandchildren Margo ’19 and William Talbott, and Lauren ’25, Megan and Jacob Murphy; and his siblings: Orrie (Terri) Clemens ’63 of Broomfield, Colorado; Leanne (Dale ’84) Wentorf ’66 of Goshen, Indiana; Jane (Hank ’68) Landes ’68 of Souderton, Pennsylvania; Carolyn (Philip) Bontrager ’71 of Grand Marais, Michigan; and Richard (Jane ’74) Clemens ’74 of Bend, Oregon.

Clemens’ family invites you to share in their Celebration of his Life on August 16 at 11 a.m. at College Mennonite Church, with visitation starting at 9 a.m. A light meal will then follow the service, with a time to share memories and stories. Memorial contributions can be made to the Donald & Marie Clemens Chemistry Scholarship Fund at Goshen College.