Jon Dlynn Clevenger

Jon Dlynn “Clev” Clevenger, 78, formerly of Monon, Indiana, passed from this life on a warm, rainy Wednesday morning in October. Jon loved Fall and its many colors, as he loved Spring for much the same reason. His appreciation of nature and digging in the dirt was woven throughout his life.

Jon was born at Wabash County Hospital on September 6th, 1945, the first of four sons of Von and JoAnna (Broughton) Clevenger. He graduated from Francesville High School in 1963 and entered Ball State University that fall. Like his Father, Jon became a educator, receiving his Bachelor's Degree in Education in 1968. His first teaching job turned out to be his last, spending 33 years at North White High School in Monon until his retirement in 2002. Jon passed his infectious enthusiasm for literature on to his English students, and in 1969 was instrumental in the formation of the school's theater program, which would turn out to be his home away from home.

Over those 33 years, nearly 100 shows were performed, first on stage in the school's gymnasium, and later in a new auditorium that would come to bear his name. His love of theater also spilled over into the community, where he spent 15 years directing The Summertime Players. A letter writing campaign was started in 2022 by former colleagues in a bid to get North White's Auditorium named in his honor. On November 4th, 2023, The Jon D. Clevenger Auditorium will become a reality. He was both grateful and humbled by the outpouring of love and support and was especially touched by the kind words from former students and those with whom he worked for so many years.

Jon's story doesn't end there, however. He was a busy guy outside school, too. He raised 3 children with his wife Cherry Diane (Radcliffe, d. 2019), whom he married in 1966. He got is Masters in Education from Ball State in 1975. opened 2 flower shops (Flower Fancy in Monon in 1978 and Petal Pushers in Lafayette in 1995), was a judge for the Indiana Academic All Stars and a teacher for The Indiana Academy. After retirement, Jon spent his time carving out a small piece of country living not far from Lake Shafer. And, because he found it impossible to stay out of the dirt, worked part time at Bennett's Greenhouse in Lafayette, no doubt enjoying the employee discount on all the plants he took home to that country spot. In the later part of his life, Jon moved to Monticello, Illinois to be close to his daughter.

Jon is survived by his mother, JoAnna, as well as brothers Sheldon, Kevin and Jeffrey, children Andrea Ray, David Clevenger, and Christopher Clevenger, their spouses Lonnie, Dawn and Angela and grandchildren Olivia Ray, Baron and Archer Clevenger and Wyatt and Walker Clevenger. As per Jon's request there will be no funeral service, but all are invited to attend the dedication of the Jon D. Clevenger Auditorium at North White High School in Monon, Indiana, Saturday, November 4th at 2:30 P.M. Every director loved a packed house. It would be a fitting send off for a man who truly felt the importance of the theater experience. He was a wonderful person and he will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege to know him.

Aaron and Susie Hinds of Hinds Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Bement, IL., have the honor to serve the family of Jon D. Clevenger, “Our Family is Here to Serve Your Family”. Please visit our website at www.hindsfuneralhome.com to offer condolences.