Donald Lee Clewell
June 19, 1942 - December 4, 2024
Donald Lee Clewell, 82, of Peoria Illinois passed away on December 4, 2024. He was born June 19, 1942, in Wildwood NJ to Harvey and Chloe Clewell. Part of a Navy family, he moved around in his early childhood until settling in Chula Vista CA. After attending Hilltop High
School, he joined the Marine Corps. He proudly served from 1963-1967, during which time he met his wife, Sally. They were married May 30, 1968, and their 56 years of marriage happily included a son, David and a daughter, Kimberly, as well as four grandchildren and six great
grandchildren, before he passed.
Don worked for ROAR Aircraft and National Steel Shipbuilding in San Diego before moving his family to Carson City NV in 1979. He then worked for American Building Company for 30 years before retiring in 2009 and eventually moving to Peoria IL in 2018.
He was a proficient maintenance mechanic and could fix just about anything, especially if it had a motor or engine, often fabricating parts if needed. He loved cars and was the “go to” when anyone he knew needed a little help with theirs. He made sure to pass on basic
knowledge to his kids and grandkids so they would never be stranded, but if it couldn’t be helped, he was always there to the rescue, and that went for friends too.
He loved all animals and always had a dog or two by his side and a cat in his lap. He loved to travel, was fiercely protective, devoted, and incredibly fun loving. He had a laugh that lives in the memory of those who deeply loved him. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends.
Remaining to cherish Donald’s memory are his wife, Sally Clewell (Womack); children, David [Mary Ruth] Clewell and Kimberly Clewell; grandchildren, Caitrin Clewell, Roman Clewell, Alexis Bryant (Clewell) and Liam Clewell; great-grandchildren, Emma, Lucas, Kaden, Roman, Liberty, and Waylon; and sister Helen Inderwies (Clewell), as well as six nieces and one nephew.
Preceding Donald in death are parents, Harvey and Chloe (Blongart); brother Terry Clewell
and sister Sylvia Thomas (Clewell).
Memorial services will be held May 30, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Northern Nevada Veteran’s Cemetery in Fernley, NV.