Edwin Lee Clemmer

The 87-year life journey of Edwin Lee Clemmer, known to his friends and family as Ed, ended February 9, 2026. He lived a full life of travel, education, hard work, creativity, and love of family and friends. He traveled with purpose whether it was to visit art and history museums, indigenous peoples, archaeological sites, Revolutionary and Civil War battlegrounds, or just discover the beauty near and far. He traveled the US and western Europe where he sculpted at the Johnson Atelier in New Jersey and in Pietra Santa, Italy. His education included graduating from Troutville High School and attending Ferrum College in Virginia, receiving a BA degree from Berea College, Berea Kentucky, and earning a MA and a MFA from the University of Iowa. During his 30-year career as a college professor and during his retirement, he relocated a few times. Each relocation meant he needed a new art studio, so that over the span of his artistic career, he built four studios. During his early career, his sculpture won many regional awards and he exhibited widely. In his later years, he focused on perfecting his sculptures for faculty, local, and regional shows. He leaves his family a large body of artwork including drawings, paintings, and many small to life-size sculptures. He was inspired by, and he inspired friends, colleagues, artists, and students. He found great joy in the achievements of his wife and son. He was a devoted grandfather to his three granddaughters. Edwin was born January 15, 1939, in Roanoke, Virginia. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Mary Annis Cox Clemmer, known as Mary Ann; his son, David Edwin (Wendy) Clemmer; his granddaughters, Madeleine Elise Clemmer, Isabella Rose Mary Clemmer, and Grace Lucille Clemmer. He is also survived by his sister, Patricia Gayle Fralin, and his brothers, William Burton (Sandra) Clemmer, Charles Bartley (Shirley) Clemmer, and James Harold (Deborah) Clemmer. His infant son, Jeffrey Clemmer; parents Charles Burton Clemmer and Sarah Lucille Paul Clemmer Meredith; and stepsister, Judith Erma Lambert preceded him in death. At this time, plans are being completed for celebrations of life at Hayes Crossing/Haldeman Volunteer Fire Department in Kentucky where Edwin was a safety officer, Carvins Cove in Virginia where he grew up, and Adam State University in Almosa, Colorado, where he spent twenty-two years as Professor of Art. Allen Funeral Home and Crematory has been entrusted with the cremation, and online condolences, photos, and memories may be shared with family and friends at www.allencares.com

Tributes

Edwin Lee Clemmer

January 15, 1939 - February 9, 2026