Clements remembered as 'giving spirit'

DECATUR -- When a young man begins a new chapter in his life and suddenly passes away, it leaves a void in the lives of all who knew him. The passing of one 2014 Decatur graduate has the whole community in mourning.

Timothy Clements, 18, was remembered as a "giving spirit" by many in Decatur. Clements lost his life in a drowning accident while fishing on the Illinois river about three miles east of Siloam Springs on May 30.

Clements was on his way to a career with the United States Navy, having earned a $180,000 scholarship from that department. This was the largest scholarship award to any 2014 senior in Decatur. He was also on the Decatur High School honor roll and a member of the National Honor Society.

But Clements is best remembered for his work in the community. One such job was working for the city of Decatur at the Iva Jane Peek Public Library.

"Timothy was a very hard and considerate worker," Charles Linam, Decatur mayor, remembered. "When he came into the library to work, we never had to tell him what needed to be done. He just knew it and went right to it, a self-starter. I wish we had more like him."

In addition to the library work, Clements was a major asset to the staff at Decatur High School, working in various areas including the office. Deborah Coffer, high school principal, remembered him as someone who was always willing to help when needed.

"Timmy was one of the most amazing young men I've ever met!" Coffer stated, "He never failed to tell me good morning, and he was always asking me if I needed him to do anything for me (as office aide). I was saddened at his passing but know there's a special place in heaven for that young man!"

Gina Holt, high school secretary, remembered Clements, who always put others' needs before himself.

I only knew Timmy for a short while, one year, but it was a year I will never forget," Holt reflected. "He was one of the most gracious young men, very helpful, very studious, and brought me an apple every day. I couldn't have asked to work with someone better than him."

Clements was most remembered by many in Decatur for his love of family, especially his mother, Heidi Migliori. He would give his mother his paychecks each week to help her with expenses around the family home. On her Facebook page posted after the accident, Migliori remembered her son and the love he shared with all who surrounded him.

"The Lord called his faithful servant home tonight to be with him," Migliori wrote, "He had passed all his tests on earth and is now a chosen angel in the heavens watching over us."