Clifford Kimberlin

Danville- Clifford Dean. Kimberlin, 84, of Danville was called to his eternal home at 12:30 AM on Saturday, November 26, 2011 while at North Logan Health Care in Danville. He was born on August 26, 1927 in Hoopeston to Harvey Leroy and Pearl Edna (O'Dell) Kimberlin. Cliff was the 4th of 5 children in his family. Cliff married Beverly Ann (Vinson) Dearth on August 16, 1958 at McKinley Methodist Church in Danville. She was a young widowed mother of three small children, who he raised along with his own. They were married for 52 wonderful years during which they were the center of eachothers universe. She preceded him in death on July 23, 2010. Cliff attended Oaklawn Grade School and was a 1945 graduate of Danville High School where he lettered in wrestling and football, while earning the role of captain in wrestling his junior year. After graduation he worked in the summer as a mail carrier for the United States Postal Service and then enlisted in the U.S. Navy (following the footsteps of his brother Don) in August, 1945. He trained in Great Lakes, IL and became an Apprentice Seaman but received an honorable medical discharge shortly thereafter. Upon his return to Danville, he worked for a short time on the railroad alongside his father and brother Merle. However, Cliff's longtime work history lies in the tire business. He worked several years for Sattterwhite's General Tire until its closing and then moved to Bass Tire & Company until his retirement in 1989. His customers remember him as a kind and jovial man who was not afraid of a hard days work. And his days could be even longer when he also worked a part-time evening job during the 1960's and 1970's at Ribbe's Phillips 66; the neighborhood gas station and service center. He was not content to sit at home after retirement so he worked several part time jobs to stay in touch with the public he so enjoyed. Cliff also enjoyed camping as part of the Trinity Lutheran Church group, Good Sams Club, and later just as a couple with Beverly and his dog Prince. He enjoyed bowling on a league and watching most sports, especially basketball, football, and baseball, whether on television or in person and whether at the professional, college, high school, or grade school level. Mr. Kimberlin was a member of the local Lions Club for several years. He was also a member of Trinity Lutheran Church for over 50 years where he was an usher and was involved in the Men's Club and enjoyed being a top seller for their annual pecan sale. He and his wife were also members of the church's Couples Club. He enjoyed listening to Country, Bluegrass, Christian and Gospel music and singing church hymns. He had a firm foundation in the Lord and believed in doing what was right. He was very proud of his family and always wanted what was best for them. He cherished time spent with his children and grandchildren. Surviving are his six children who can only hope to live up to his legacy of commitment to family, church, and community; Toni (Curtis) Towne of Danville, IL, Aaron Colby (Vicki) Kimberlin of Peoria, AZ, and Merna Perrin of Danville, IL; as well as Gary Dearth of Sharpsville, IN, Carolyn Dearth of Danville, IL, and Mari (Dale) Ross, of Oakwood IL; Ten grandchildren Maya Monroe Towne, Ava Caroline Towne, and Emma Ann Towne all of Danville, IL, Brody Allan Kimberlin and Haley Milan Kimberlin of Peoria, AZ, Kayla Marie (Dave) Schwierman of Pasadena, TX, Kenneth Robert Dearth of Kansas City, MO, Jeremy Vinson Dearth of Danville, IL, Brooke Noelle (Andy) Smith of St. Joseph, IL, Erin Nicole (Craig) Cunningham of Oakwood, IL; and three great-grandchildren Benjamin Loyd Smith of St. Joseph, IL, Jordyn Paige Cunningham and Jackson Ross Cunningham of Oakwood, IL; two sisters-in-law, Inez Kimberlin of Danville, IL, and Peggy Pulver of Highland Village, TX; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. In addition to his beloved wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Don Kimberlin and Alfred Merle Kimberlin; two sisters, Shirley Smith, and Audra Bell; two nephews, Gene Kimberlin and Ronnie Smith, one niece Linda Prescott; and one son-in-law, Brad Perrin. A service to celebrate the life of Clifford Kimberlin will be held at 11 AM on Friday, December 2, 2011 at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, A Life Celebration Home in Danville. Pastor Kent Tibben will officiate. Cremation rites will be accorded following the services with burial taking place on Saturday, December 3, 2011 at Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 PM on Thursday, December 1, also at Sunset in Danville. Memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, Danville Lutheran School, or the Humane Society. Please join Cliff's family in sharing memories or photos through his Tribute Wall at www.susnsetfuneralhome.com.