William Eugene Clinkenbeard, age 88, of Bruceville, Indiana, passed away on April 16, 2026. He was born on June 30, 1937, in Bicknell, Indiana, and lived a life marked by faith, hard work, devotion to family, and a deep appreciation for the simple blessings of each day.
William graduated from Freelandville High School in 1956 and soon after began a lifelong career rooted in agriculture. He worked as a grain farmer and as a DeKalb Seed Dealer, where his strong work ethic and steady character were evident to all who knew him.
On May 18, 1958, William married the love of his life, Karen “Frederick” Clinkenbeard, at Mariah Creek Church. Together, they shared nearly 68 years of marriage filled with love, companionship, and countless memories.
William loved God, his family, and farming. He found happiness in tending his garden and keeping up with yard work, and he took great pride in the chrome on his truck. He enjoyed spending time with his friends at the YMCA and with his Hart Street McDonald’s buddies. Some of his favorite moments were spent sitting on the party barn porch with Karen, watching for family members to stop by for a visit. He also enjoyed horse camping and trail riding, activities that brought him peace and a sense of adventure. William was a member of Emison United Methodist Church, where his faith was an important part of his life.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Karen; his daughters, Tammy Williams (Bill), Teresa Anderson (Dave), and Amy Sloan (Jeff Marchino); his seven grandchildren, Clay Williams (Brandy), Clint Williams (Katie), Ryan Anderson (Cambrie), Abby Linneweber (Kyle), Dalton Sloan (Ashley), Audra Graber (Tyler), and Will Sloan; his 16 great-grandchildren, Case, Lane, Marlee, and Milee Williams, Cohen, Paislee, and Finn Williams, Colt, Liv, and Axl Anderson, Kyndrix and Kate Linneweber, Brealynn Hatfield, Berkley Sloan, and Brooks and Bennett Graber; his siblings, Jim Clinkenbeard (Linda), Richard Clinkenbeard, and Mary Yagle; his sister-in-law, Sally Clinkenbeard; and several special nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John Will and Dorothy “Howard” Clinkenbeard; his siblings, Barbara Kirk (Ed), Carol Bobe (John), and Johnny Clinkenbeard (Lill); his brother-in-law, Dan Yagle; and his sister-in-law, Jill Clinkenbeard.
William will be remembered for his gentle spirit, his steadfast love for his family, and the quiet strength with which he lived his life. His legacy lives on in the family he loved so dearly and in the many lives he touched through his kindness, faith, and example.
There will be a visitation on Monday, April 20, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Emison United Methodist Church in Emison, IN. Service will begin at 1:00 p.m., officiated by Pastor Jonathon Hickman and Pastor Keagan Thomas. Burial will conclude at Mariah Creek Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to either Riley Children’s Hospital, Asera Care Hospice, or the St. Phillip Youth Group (Warrior Food Packs). Online condolences and fond memories may be made at www.fredrickandson.com. Fredrick and Son McClure-Utt Funeral Home, Bicknell Chapel, is honored to be entrusted with Mr. Clinkenbeard’s arrangements.
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