Fred A. Clemons

Fred Arnold Clemons, 88, of Pocatello, died on June 16, 2026. He was born in Silver Point, Tennessee. He was the oldest of three children born to Jesse and M. Myrtle Lafever Clemons on August 19, 1937.

In 1945, his family sold what little they had and moved to Rexburg. For a time, he was picked on for being the kid with a funny accent. As he grew, he became an all-around athlete. Leading the Madison Bobcats to state championships in football and basketball. However, that didn’t stop him from being on the baseball team and track team. He received a letter from the U.S. draft board the day of his high school graduation. He was able to join the local National Guard instead of active duty so he could go to college.

He earned a full ride sports scholarship to Utah State, but decided to attend Ricks College instead, so he could help his family.

It was while he was attending Ricks that he met his eternal love, Norma Jean. She just happened to be on a date with his "dumb cousin" as he put it. It truly was love at first sight! After a whirlwind romance of three days, the two were engaged. Three short months later, they married in the Logan Temple.

Fred and Norma Jean settled into Rexburg to raise their family. Tammy was their first child bringing love to their little family. Tracy Ann joined next. But tragedy devastated the family when Tracy Ann passed away in an accident. Merritt and Lisa came along next. Making it four little girls in four years.

Fred continued going to school when the girls were little. The Army had other plans. In 1967 his guard unit was deployed to the Vietnam War. While there he was a platoon sergeant attached to the 526 Engineer Battalion. While there his unit built a bridge across the Phan Theit River. For this accomplishment, he is one of the few Americans to earn the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. But his biggest accomplishment was bringing every man home when their unit was released from active duty.

When Fred knew he was about to get his release orders, Norma Jean started looking for a job for him. In 1969, he was hired by Idaho State University, Maintenance and Operations. At this time, he moved the family to Pocatello. He worked there until he retired in July 1998. While working for ISU he tried to go back to school. But again, the army had other plans. Sending him to this school and that. At one of the Military schools, he re-wrote several of the operation manuals he used during his time in Vietnam.

Justin was the next to join the family, being the first son born in the family. Tyson followed several years later making the family complete.

Fred retired from the Army National Guard after serving 30 years and retiring as a 1st Sargent.

In July of 1998, both Fred and Norma Jean retired from their jobs to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Saints in the Philippines. Shortly before they were to leave to start their training, they received a call from the church headquarters changing their mission from the heat of the Philippines to Khabarovsk, Siberia, Russia! Their biggest worry of leaving their family changed to “where do you get severe winter clothes in July!” They both loved their mission. They spent sixteen months teaching English to Russian college students, helping local children’s homes and other charitable organizations in the area. This wasn't the only calling Fred would have in the church. From his time in Vietnam to their mission, he served in six bishoprics. Serving in positions from Executive Secretary to Bishop.

After they returned home, they tried to retire. Restless, they started helping all the people they could. From taking care of both of their mothers to helping the neighbor across the street.

In late 2009, tragedy struck again with the death of their oldest Tammy. Around this time, they started trying to be just plain grandparents. Taking care of great children.

Fred is preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Myrtle Clemons, daughters; Tracy Ann Clemons and Tammy Grunig; in-laws David and Awanda Hansen, his sister and brother-in-law; Rhonda and Theron Winters; and brother-in-law; Robert Clark.

He is survived by his Eternal companion of 68 years Norma Jean, children; Merritt Clemons, Lisa (Robert) Morrow, Justin Clemons and Tyson (Jan) Clemons, son-in-law; Michael (Marilyn) Grunig, Sister; Fay Clark, 22 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and 2 and 2, 1/2 great-great- grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 22 at 1 pm at the Oakwood Building of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints located at 225 Oakwood, Pocatello. There will be a visitation also at the church, Sunday, June 21 from 6-730 and again Monday morning prior the funeral from 12-1245. Burial will take place on Tuesday, June 23 at 11 am at the Rexburg Cemetery, 350 W, Moran View Rd Rexburg.

Services are under the direction of Fred's Grandson Charlie Grunig of Relyea Funeral Chapel, Son Tyson Clemons and family friends Tyler Hammond and Krista Nethercott of Grand Teton Funeral Home.