Clem A. “Jim” Gatewood

WESTPORT

Clem (Jim) Gatewood, 91, of Westport, passed away on Sept. 30 after a brief illness.

He was born on October 20, 1925 in Trimble County, Kentucky.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Beverly. He has five surviving children, 15 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren as follows, Steve (Linda) of Elwood, Indiana, Larry (Mary) of King George, Virginia, Terry (Jackie) of Fayetteville, Tennessee, Julie (Larry) Hayden, of New Market, Alabama and Barry (Annalee) of Bloomfield, Indiana. Grandchildren are Erika (David) Brown (great-grandchildren, Peyton and Ethan) of Westfield, Indiana, Brenna (Craig) Durbin (great-grandchildren, Lucas and Landon) of Noblesville, Indiana, Patrick, James, and Sean Gatewood of King George, Virginia, Rachael and Graham Gatewood of Fayetteville, Tennessee, Jared, Leah, and Jacob Hayden of New Market, Alabama, and Sarah, Eleanor, Priscilla, Edward and Lewis Gatewood of Bloomfield, Indiana.

Jim is survived by a brother, Gayle (Betty) Gatewood of Westport, and sister, Doris (Joe) Osterman of Tampa, Florida.

He was one of 13 children and was preceded in death by his parents, Gilbert and Emma (Hutton) Gatewood and by his brothers Carroll, Morris, Doug, Floyd (Shorty), Allen (Squeek), Paul (Bill), and Jack Gatewood. Sisters, Anne Cranmer, Marcelene McClintock and Wilma Jean Robertson also preceded him in death.

Clem was a hard-working carpenter who supported his family and put five children through college.

He built over 30 houses in the Westport area.

Besides working, he loved his two dogs and spent his last years keeping his large yard of 20 acres mowed.

He was an avid Cincinnati Reds and Kentucky Wildcat fan.

Clem was a World War II Navy combat veteran, serving in the South Pacific. On board the USS Schroeder, Clem saw combat in multiple major theatre battles from the liberation of Wake Island through the Japanese surrender. His ship guarded the Missouri while General McArthur accepted the Japanese surrender and he visually witnessed this event.

Clem bravely bore the scars from his service for the remainder of his life.

He will be missed by family and friends.

The funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Thursday, October 5, 2017 at the Bass & Gasper Funeral Home with Rev. Paul Hornberger and Rev. Glenn Black officiating. Burial will follow at the Westport Cemetery with military graveside rites. The family will receive visitors on Wednesday evening from 4 until 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made through the funeral home to the Westport Wesleyan Church.

Online condolences can be made to the family at www.bassgasper.com.

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