Gary Joseph Clymer, a man of profound love and spirited joy, passed away on November 28, 2025, at the age of 70. Born on April 6, 1955, in Vincennes, Indiana, he was a pillar of kindness and enthusiasm in the lives of those around him, touching hearts in his hometown and later, in Indianapolis, where he passed away surrounded by the love of his family.
Gary was celebrated as a devoted husband to Pamela Cylmer of Oaktown, Indiana, with their union in marriage on November 27, 1987, in Vincennes. Their love was the foundation for a family that grew to include his cherished children, Charles Norman Godfrey of Vincennes, IN, Tracey Dale Godfrey of Vincennes, IN, Paul Raymond (Kathy) Godfrey of Lawrenceville, IL, Gary James Clymer of Vincennes, IN, Skyler Lee Clymer of Vincennes, IN, and Cody Dale (Taylor) Clymer of Wheatland, IN. His role as ‘Grandpa’ was one he took on with immense pride and joy, guiding and loving his grandchildren Rachel Ann (Ben) Godfrey, Emily Renne Godfrey, Raymond Wade Godfrey, Cheyenne Rochelle (Braydon) Godfrey, Dakota Hugh (Hali Greenlee) Godfrey, Cameron Godfrey(Jayelen Sanders), Alexis Godfrey (Armani Brielle), Ireland Jase Clymer, and Becham Dale Clymer, along with his great-grandchildren Alyson Mae Kolb, Riverleigh Raine Sullivan, Lakelon Joseph Chayse Sullivan, Charles Norman Godfrey Jr., Christopher Jase Hayes, Odin Hugh Godfrey, Charlie Michael Godfrey, and Kaylynn Sanders.
Gary’s life was marked by a loving bond with his siblings, Carol Del Negro and Mark Clymer, and a close-knit relationship with his siblings-in-law Donna Jean Shipley, Lyne Daugherity, Barbara Ellen Daugherity, and Gilbert Hugh Daugherity, all of whom he entertained with his legendary picnics and grill cooking. His heart was large enough to embrace numerous nieces and nephews, leaving behind a legacy of familial love and togetherness.
Gary’s love for Jesus was as expansive as his heart, manifesting in his dedication as a church pastor. An ardent racing enthusiast, he admired Dale Earnhardt’s prowess on the track. Gary’s interests ranged from the adrenaline of Ice Road Truckers to the resonance of a 12-string guitar, from the thrill of Indianapolis Colts football to quieter moments dining out with friends and family. His life was a testimony to the high hopes he steadfastly held for his children and the unbridled joy his grandbabies brought to him.
His life story cannot be separated from the road; having spent over 35 years as a truck driver, Gary found a brotherhood among his fellow drivers and a sense of purpose in connecting America’s byways. A proud high school graduate, he built a life not just filled with work, but also abundant in passion for the people and things he loved dearly. The community will remember Gary’s infectious spirit—how he danced with the vibrancy of life, brought laughter to many gatherings, and radiated love without measure. His memory will live on in the stories told by his family and the echo of his voice through songs of worship and joy.
Gary now joins those who have gone before him, including his parents, William and Elizabeth “McDermott” Clymer, his son Jase Clymer, his sister Connie Etsel, his parents-in-law Gilbert and Dorothy Lee Daugherity, his granddaughter Laura Jane Godfrey, a grandson Ezra Lawrence Loeb and his siblings-in-law Laura Faye Smith, Janet Benoit, David Kidwell, and Steve Shipley. Though our hearts grieve his absence, we take comfort in knowing that Gary’s spirit lives on in the embrace of our Savior and within the cherished memories that will forever light our paths forward.
There will be a visitation on Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Fredrick and Son McClure-Utt Funeral Home, Vincennes Chapel. A service will follow at 1:00 p.m., officiated by Pastor Matt Hoffman. Burial will conclude at Mariah Creek Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the family to defray funeral expenses. Online condolences and fond memories may be made at www.fredrickandson.com. Fredrick and Son McClure-Utt Funeral Home, Vincennes Chapel, is honored to be entrusted with Mr. Clymer’s arrangements.
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