Robert A. Clearman, age 92, of Helena passed away early Wednesday morning April 17, 2024.
Born Robert Augustus Clearman on November 28th or 29th, 1931. I never knew my legal birthday was the 29th until I was married and had kids. I always celebrated on the 28th.
Parents were Rollin Leslie Clearman and Bessie May Cleary Clearman.
I was born in Choteau, Montana on my Grandpa’s and Grandma’s farm. The doctor didn’t get there until after 3 o’clock in the morning, that caused the difference in my date of birth.
My father had a homestead outside of Choteau when I was very young. That didn’t work out and we then moved to Stemple Pass where my father worked at the Jay Gould mine. We later moved to Helena when the mine closed due World War II.
My first job was delivering papers for the local Helena paper. In high school I worked for Allen Electric after school, weekends and during the summers. Next I went to work helping to get ready for Canyon Ferry Dam. I worked for a while at the old Gamer’s Bakery. I then went to work at Caird Engineering for 23 years as a molder. My last job was with the Federal Reserve Bank and was there 17 years before retiring.
I met my wife Shirley Ann Bausch while we were both attending Helena High School. We were married May 5th 1951.
We had two wonderful kids: Cindy Ann Clearman Tholt and Chris Robert Clearman. They are married to Robert (Bob) Tholt and Deanna (DD) Imeson Clearman.
We have three wonderful grandsons: Adam Robert Tholt, Nicholas Joseph Tholt and Timothy Albert Tholt. We also have 6 great grandchildren: Bethany, Jackson, Virgil, Jasper, Hadley and Mable.
I have been a longstanding member of Helena Masonic Lodge #3 and was a 33rd Degree Mason. I was also active in The Scottish Rite Valley of Helena and The Shriners.
I joined the Navy in 1950 and stayed in active Reserve for 27 years, retiring as a Chief Petty Officer.
I served many years as a scoutmaster when Chris was growing up.
I helped get the carousel in Boulder, Montana restored using my skills as a molder to make new horses and restore some of the old ones. I also enjoyed making obsidian knives and sold many, but more for fun than profit.
Shirley and I have traveled extensively since our first trip in 1983. We are very lucky to have seen so much of this old world.
I have been an avid hunter and fisherman ever since I was old enough to carry a gun or fishing pole. I have enjoyed many memorable hunting and fishing trips with my son, son-in-law and grandsons.
I have three brothers: Francis Clearman (deceased), Richard (Dick) Clearman of Missoula and Theodore (Ted) Clearman of Stemple Pass. I have one sister, Irene Wilson (deceased).
Shirley and I enjoyed our Quartzsite, Arizona winter home for 25 years.
Shirley and I lived in Helena until we were almost ready to retire when we built our dream home up Lump Gulch above Clancy, Montana. We then moved back to Helena when it was needed.
Our cabin on Stemple Pass has brought me so much joy watching our kids, grandkids and great grandkids play and enjoy, and I hope they always will.
A memorial service will be held 1:30 p.m. Thursday, April 25, 2024 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Avenue. Pastor Keith Weatherford of St. John’s Lutheran Church and Officers of Masonic Lodge #3 A.F. & A.M. will preside. Military Honors will be accorded by the United State Navy Reserves and the Lewis & Clark Veterans Council. A lite reception will follow in the social center of the funeral home. Robert’s inurnment will take place at the Montana State Veteran Cemetery Columbarium Niche.,
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:30 p.m.
Thursday April 25, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Thursday April 25, 2024
Social Center of the Funeral Home
,
Inurnment
Thursday April 25, 2024
Columbarium Niche Montana State Veteran Cemetery
Fort Harrison, Montana
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:30 p.m.
Thursday April 25, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Thursday April 25, 2024
Social Center of the Funeral Home
,
Inurnment
Thursday April 25, 2024
Columbarium Niche Montana State Veteran Cemetery
Fort Harrison, Montana
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Dan Hubber says
Bob was truly the wittiest, nicest, kindest person we have ever met. The almost daily conversations were insightful, extremely enjoyable and would always end with smiles on our faces.
Bob and Shirley have been the best neighbors we could ever expect to have! We will miss Bob immensely!
Dan & Peg Hubber
Fran says
Cindy and Bob, Chris and DD:
Your father and your mother led a wonderful life together. I know they shared their travels with you four.
Praying that your sweet memories of Robert always comfort you in his absence.
with blessings,
Fran
Jim and Sally Wilcox says
Your Dad was a good kind man. We know how much he will be missed. Our prayers are with you all. 💔🥲🙏🏼
Jackie Hunt says
Never have I ever met a better example of what every husband, father, grandfather, and person should strive to be. Bob was full of life, love, humor, and knowledge. I don’t think I ever heard an
unkind word cross his lips. I treasure our friendship and have memories that I will never forget. Our neighborhood will never be the same. If every couple would treat each other as Bob and Shirley did, there would be no divorces. They are truly a lesson in how to love and live happily together for over 70 years!
Monte Brown says
Bob was such a humble and kind man. The fishing trips I had with Bob, Chris and family and friends to northern Canada are some of my most treasured memories.
DAVID CAMPBELL says
My condolences to Chris and Cindy and the rest of the family. I went to school with Chris and have great memories of our Boy Scout adventures with Bob as the scoutmaster. I remember his old red and white suburban carting us around and the grand adventure to the Bob Marshall Wilderness area.
Dick and Neva Porte says
Our condolences to Bob’s family. We learned from reading Bob’s obituary that he and Neva shared the same birthday, one of them anyway! Bob was a thoughtful kind and caring person and a true gentleman. We are proud to have known him.
Crystal (Strainer) Gray says
Shirley,
So very sorry for the loss of Bob, you are both dear friends of my parents, Myrth and Ed Strainer, you were so kind to all of us, I’m sure they are visiting about all the good times. Hugs to you and your family. Crystal