Paul Clemons

Paul Clemons, 74, of Union, passed away Nov. 18, 2025 in the comfort of his own home. 

Per Paul’s wishes, cremation rites have been accorded and a family-led celebration of life will tentatively take place April 19, 2026, with times to be announced. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Paul’s family for a later designation. For additional information or to send a condolence to the family, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234. 

Paul Dean Clemons was born April 20, 1951 in Eldora. He was the middle of 12 children born to Warren and Marjorie (McDonald) Clemons. Paul grew up in Eldora. Through high school, Paul took his first part time job as a meat cutter. He was a graduate of Eldora High School in 1969. 

He was united in marriage March 1, 1971 to the love of his life, Deborah “Deb” Ferhle, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in State Center. Paul was then drafted into the United States Army in 1971. Paul and Deb moved to Tacoma, Washington where he was stationed. Upon his honorable discharge from the Army, Paul and Deb moved to Eldora. Paul began working for the local grocery stores in Eldora as a meat cutter. In 1974, they moved to Union, where they made their forever home. They raised two sons, Andrew Clemons, Sr. and Joel Clemons Sr. In 1976, Paul began working for Caldwell Meat Company, which eventually turned into Country Packers until 1993 when the company closed. In those years, Paul was the friendly face that everyone stopped in to see as they got their meat. Additionally, before retirement, Paul and Deb opened up Tama Meat and Provisions which they operated for eight years and he worked for Hy-Vee in Eldora and Iowa Falls. After a full career, Paul wasn’t ready to retire yet, so he worked part time at Earl May alongside his son Andrew, as well as Schendel Pest Control. 

Paul remained busy outside of work as a member of the Eldora Jaycees, KIWANAS Club and the American Legion, both in Union. He also dedicated many years as a volunteer firefighter in Union. In his younger years, he enjoyed going fishing. Paul’s other passions over the years included going to garage sales and antiquing, as well as family get-togethers. More than anything, he loved the company of his pets and his grandchildren, and especially enjoyed taking them to Amish stores. 

Those left to remember and cherish his memory are his wife of 54 years, Deb Clemons; his children: Andrew Clemons Sr. and Joel (Angeline) Clemons Sr.; grandchildren: Dameon (Rachel) Oswald, Andrew Clemons Jr., Alexandria Clemons, Ethan Swanson, Cierra Clemons, Hailey (Spencer) Clemons Swantrom, Joel Clemons Jr. and Elizabeth Clemons; great-grandchildren: Enoch Clemons, Ezra Swanstrom, Shiloh Vaugh, Scarlett Oswald and Sienna Oswald. Additionally, he is survived by his siblings: Judy Knott, Margaret (Larry) Knott, Beth Ites, Terry Clemons, Jack Clemons and Jeff Clemons; and his sister-in-law, Teddi Hall; alongside numerous nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Warren and Marjorie Clemons; siblings: Patsy Rosburg, Al Clemons, Mary Louise Clemons, Valerie Clemons and Rick Clemons; his father-in-law, Donald Fehrle and mother-in-law, Wilma Rankin, and birth mother-in-law, Marie Brannan.