Patrick Andrew Clemmons

Unknown - Jan 6th, 2011
  • Birth Date: Unknown
  • Death Date: Jan 6, 2011
  • Funeral Date: Unknown
  • Location:
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Biography: Patrick Andrew Clemmons, age 20, of Little Rock, was found dead on the morning of January 6, 2011 at the apartment of a young man in downtown Little Rock. He was the victim of a likely heroin overdose. Somewhere between school and scouts, graphic arts and swimming, wrestling and the local music scene, Patrick picked up a bad habit that ultimately killed him. His drug problem has impacted our last three Christmas seasons, and this morning has cost us our beloved son. Patrick was born December 20, 1990 and had just turned 20 in rehab. We have been well pleased with his recent progress, but we knew he was at risk. He returned home Dec. 28, and after 77 days "clean", joined us for New Years Day with several of our friends. He had been putting in job applications and looking for a place to live. When he heard they were hiring at Victoria's Secret, he quit looking anywhere else. We last spoke to him yesterday afternoon. He declined to visit his counselor with his Mom but confirmed an appointment for today. Patrick attended Episcopal Collegiate School where he was a 2008 State Wrestling Champion in the 130 pound small school division, and had been the only member of the swim team. Swimming conditioned him to wrestle better than football conditioned his opponents. Patrick was a Commended National Merit Scholar. But he did not graduate as scheduled in 2009. Nevertheless, on the strength of his ACT scores, he received a sizable Dean's scholarship to UALR, but dropped out last fall when his difficulties with life began to worsen. Patrick earned his Eagle Scout at Troop 30 in 2004, which has been a big part of our lives since 1997. He had been a Brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow and attended NOAC in 2004, had been to the National Jamboree in 2005, had been to Philmont in 2006. He had been successful as a young artist and won several awards, and spent a summer program at California College of the Arts in 2007. In 2008, he completed a 30 day program of winter-style backpacking at 10,000 feet in the Absoraka Wilderness with NOLS. 30 days in the snow with the same boots on. It is hard to imagine how a young person finds drugs despite all the time and effort we invest to protect them from drugs and push them back in the right direction. But Patrick began to experiment with marijuana, and soon moved to LSD, opiates, benzodiazepine, and the rest. We began to note changes in his behavior in 2007, but he worked especially hard to help himself during 2008, and 2009. He always had a job and stayed highly active during this time. However, 2010 had been particularly challenging for him and for us. He was a tower of will, but weak to temptation. He was bright and witty, but not smart enough sometimes. He was fearless and friendly, but too careless for comfort. He was thoughtful, when he thought things through, but often impulsive. He was like most of us, only different. He will always be our Eagle Scout wrestling champion, and will serve as an example of how the same life which offers us so much can sometimes touch us in a vulnerable spot. We pray God smiles on him today and wraps his arms around us, too. Patrick is predeceased by his grandfathers, Earl H. Clemmons Jr., and E. Ray Day, and Uncle John T. Haskins. Patrick is survived by his parents, Skip Clemmons, Susan Day and brother, Colin Clemmons. In addition, his Grandmothers, Bennye Clemmons of Little Rock, Ellen Day of Greensboro, NC, Uncles Russell Day (Nancy Alex), Patrick Day (Jane) and Cousin Jolie Day all of Carrboro, NC. Cousin Olivia Day, of Denver ,CO, Aunt Evelyn Day of Chattanooga, TN, Uncle Neil Clemmons (Chris) and cousins, Alex and Shannon Clemmons of Wilmette, Il. Aunt Rose Gladner (Neal) of Little Rock. Aunt Jane Clemmons of SanFrancisco, CA. Aunt Heidi Haskins, Cousins, Kelli and Blaine Buck of Malvern, AR, Meaghan Gladner of New Orleans, LA, Janet Gladner of Fayetteville, AR and a host of other relatives. Visitation will be held at Ruebel Funeral Home on Sunday, January 9, 2011 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., with a Rosary service to be held immediately following at 7:00 PM. A memorial service will be held on Monday, January 10th at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Holy Souls Catholic Church with Father Erik Pohlmeier officiating. In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to Boy Scouts of America Troop 30, c/o St Paul Methodist Church, 2223 Durwood Rd, LR, Episcopal Collegiate School Foundation, 1701 Cantrell Road, LR, 72201, or Centers for Youth and Families, 5905 Forest Place, Suite 200, Little Rock, AR 72207. Cremation arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com

Condolences(50)
Jo Hooten
#50
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Hi, Skip. My deepest condolences at the loss of your son, especially at such a young age. The touching and tragic piece you and your family wrote about him I thank you for; it shall surely bless and be a testimony to others going through this same struggle.
Don & Janet Seaquist
#49
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Dear Skip & Family,

Words are inadequate to console your loss. But our thoughts and prayers go out to you.

The Seaquist Family
Michelle Mitchell
#48
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
To the Clemmons Family:

I did not know your son, nor have I met you. I read Patrick's obituary in Saturday's paper. Thank you for your honesty. I know that it was not easy to write those words. May God provide comfort to your family. I am truly sorry for your loss.
Mary
#47
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I am so, so sorry for your loss. Our family, too, lost our son, Kyle, to depression and addiction to gambling last March. Your tribute to your son Patrick is a testament to unconditional love. I pray it touches others in a way that will help them in their stuggle.
Chip Hammond
#46
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Becca and I would like to extend our deepest heartfelt condolences. Beyond that, I am frankly at a loss for words because I can't begin to understand your sense of loss. Please take care.
The Shannon Family
#45
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Dear Susan, Skip and Colin,
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for you and Patrick. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire Clemmons family during this difficult time. With love and deepest sympathy - Mike and Kristin
Arleta Power
#44
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
The bravely written obituary of your son Patrick left me with a lump in my throat and heartfelt sympathy for your loss. Only by the grace of God has my family been spared a child with drug addictions. It should be required reading in courses about the effect of drugs on the deceased and the family who has to watch their child slip further into the hellish world of addiction. My prayers will be with you. May time and good memories of your son bring you comfort from this day forward.
The Pridmore Family
#43
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Words can not express the sympathy that goes out to your family. We are so sorry for your loss.
Klein Calvert
#42
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
My friend Ron Williams from Overland Park, KS sent me the obituary and comments. I too was a Boy Scout years ago and made it to Life Scout as well as Order of the Arrow. This is such a touching story that shows the love everyone had for your son. I just pray that GOD will bless and keep you in the weeks and months ahead. I have passed your son's story to all of my family and friends with children and grand children praying that it will touch their lives as well. GOD Bless.
Aylette Roper
#41
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Skip and family,

Skip, I watched you raise that child in the scouts and I watched you weekend after weekend parent him just like I watched Gary be a wonderful father to Albert and Greg be a wonderful father to Bart. What has happened breaks my heart and goes to show that no matter how much effort we put into these children, they must fight their own demons. Please know you and your family did everything possible to help him save himself. You and Susan should be commended. I have a stepson in Rivendell now and I will teach him about Patrick just as I have told him about what a wonderful child Albert was and the horrors of what can happen. My heart goes out to you all and I pray y'all somehow find peace.

Bart sends his sympathy and love also.

God Bless you. I have no words on how bad this saddens my heart. Patrick was a wonderful boy, maybe his story can save another.
Linda Counts Hatcher
#40
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Dear Clemmons Family,
I want to say thank you for writing a loving and telling story of Patrick. It is a wonderful thing you?ve done, to tell the truth and not to paint his life as ALL great and wonderful. So many people tend to hide the faults of their loved one. But I can tell from your writings, that you did love him and that you understood and accepted that he had problems.
Patrick sounds like a wonderful young man, smart, artistic, talented?.he had it all! So sad the drug demons took him over, drug addiction is so hard to fight?.and harder to win that war. Truly, now he is free from that, he?s resting in God?s loving arms. God understands, He understands what we never will?.until we sit with our Father and He explains it all to us.
Your true and amazing obituary will help many people. Patrick?s work in this world is not over. I?m giving this story to my 19 year old son to read, I?m hoping it will help him realize what drugs will cost you.
Thank you again. I know God will comfort you each day. God bless you all!
In Christ name....Linda
Bob, Karen, Steven, and Michael Hulsey
#39
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Dear Skip, Susan, Colin, and Family,
We are so very sorry and saddened to hear of your loss. We offer our deepest condolences and prayers for your comfort in this overwhelming time.
When a brilliant light goes out so suddenly, the ensuing dark appears that much deeper. Please know that we are with you in this and we will do all we can to help in any way you need.
David Baines
#38
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very sad time.
Carla Allegood Marion
#37
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Susan and family,

What an incredibly hard loss this must be for you all. I didn't know Patrick but I do know he had a loving family. Maybe this wonderful obituary will touch the lives of people who are dealing or have dealt with this same problem. How sad to lose such a beautiful son. The thoughts and prayers of friends in North Carolina are with you and your family.
Endia
#36
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
My heart goes out to the Clemmons family and all of Patricks friends. He was going to be an amazing artist. I am really going to miss him.
Margaret and Thomas Maher
#35
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
We have you all in our hearts and our prayers are with you. No words can soften the blow of grief but hopefully knowing that prayers are with you will give you an ounce of hope.
Kent and Missy Sorrells
#34
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Skip and Susan,
Our hearts go out to you at this most difficult time. It seems not that long ago you brought Patrick into this world and shared the stories at the office of scouts and weekend adventures. We trust God will provide the comfort you need and deserve to see you through this painful period.

Kent and Missy Sorrells
Fred & Linda Shannon
#33
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Again we are left with the mystery of why bad things happen to the best of people. We who did not well know Patrick are grateful for his eloquent obituary. It not only provides the best of memories of Patrick and his accomplishments, but is also a reminder that misfortune may await any of us, even the best and brightest. We are grateful for his life and family. Fred & Linda Shannon, San Antonio, Texas
Bob and Mina Woltil
#32
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. God bless you.
Leon, Norah and Sean Iveson
#31
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Susan,
Sean and I were on our way to visitation tonight, but the weather was making a mess of the roads.
Please accept our deepest condolences. We will remember Patrick fondly and are praying for strength and comfort for you and your family at this time.
Tom and Mary Devine
#30
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
We just wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed getting to know both your boys during Confirmation preparation. Patrick was a truly unique individual, and we never knew quite what to expect, other than it would be entertaining. Colin is an incredible young man, with a heart of gold. Our hearts go out to all of you. As parents, we can only imagine the pain of losing a child, but Colin, you've lost a brother. Please know that you are in a special place in our hearts.

All our love,
the Devines
Brandon Clem
#29
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
To the Family of Patrick Andrew Clemmons...

Patrick has grown to be one of my best friends over the past couple years. He was one of the most caring, brilliant, creative, and original human beings I've ever met.

I'll admit that Patrick and Me both shared many common interest, music, art, fashion, and also the tainted life style of a struggling addict. This past summer I separated myself from everyone except my family in order to clean up my act, I have been successful thus far, and truly wanted the same for the rest of my friends. I was ecstatic to hear that Patrick was going to rehab, and hoped that we would soon be able to share all our other common interest together without the burden of drugs.

When the day finally came that Patrick was out, he came to my house and we talked about a lot of things, including his plan to stay sober. He talked as if he was done for good, but something told me that it just wasn't true. I wish I would have done more to see that he was keeping a straight path, but what I've come to realize and I hope the family will come to realize is that nobody could have helped him keep a straight path until he was ready to make that journey.

I loved Patrick, in the short two year period that we were friends I saw something in him that I doubt I will ever see in anyone else. He was the type of person that everyone wanted to know and once they did cherished every moment with him, I know, because I was one of those people.

My deepest sympathy goes out to his family. He will not be forgot.
Richard Charles Keech
#28
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
As with so many others, your candid and forthright obituary has struck a note in my heart for you and your family during the most difficult time. I am the father of three:"..but for the Grace of God go I". Bless in your sorrow, and find strength in your witness of His Love for you.
Kathi Jones
#27
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Susan,

My heart breaks for you and your family. Although I didn't know Patrick, it is obvious that he was, in many ways, an exceptional young man. It's obvious too that he was loved and cared for by a wonderful family. The honesty of his obituary really hits home with many of its readers. Thank you for sharing and God bless.
Ron Williams
#26
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
The Lord has plans and ways that are always beyond ours. We can't possibly know your pain. We have to take comfort in knowing Earl is there to receive Patrick with open arms. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Lyn, Gregg, and Gladden
#25
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Dear Susan, Skip, and Collin,

Just wanted you all to know that we were planning to come to the visitation tonight and are sorry the weather has been unfavorable.

We are very grieved for your family. Our prayers have been for you the past few days, and they will continue to be so in the days to come. It is heartbreaking for all of us who are parents to think about what you are going through. God give you strength.

Thank you so very much for unselfishly taking time to write the letter about Patrick. We know you are missing a bright, shining star from your lives. He was certainly a young man with enormous potential.

Again, our prayers are with you all.

God's grace to you,

The Gladdens
Jan Chalmers Bartlett
#24
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
My prayers are with you and your family - prayers for peace and comfort and that the loving arms of God will enfold you.
Tom Kelly
#23
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Skip, Susan, and Colin,

I am deeply saddened to learn of Patrick's death. My boys and I usually sit across from you guys at mass at holy Souls. Over the years, I watched Patrick and Colin grow up. I took a BSA life guard course with Patrick at Blass scout reservation. That is where I got to know tis neat person a little bit. This is a terrrible tragedy and I respect the open and honest obituary. As a parent, I can't imagine what you are going through. I extend my sincere condolences and sympathy. Know that Patrick is in my prayers are all of you.

Taylor Nolley
#22
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I am very sorry to hear about your loss. Patrick was a great guy and he will never be forgotten.
Chuck Fuller
#21
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Dear Clemmons family:
I was a friend of Bennye, Earl and Rosemary's when they were all in Pine Bluff. Please accept my sincere sympathy and admiration to you for carrying the message to all families and people whose lives have been touched by addiction.
Peace to you,
Chuck Fuller
Christy Rogers
#20
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Skip, my heart breaks anew for your family. Your loss is unique, your pain your own, but I stand beside you all, knowing the unspeakable magnitude of losing a child. Please remember that the brutal loss you feel is directly proportional to the powerful love you have for your precious son. May that love sustain you.
Jean Strauser
#19
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Clemmons family, I am so sorry for the loss of your son and commend you for being forthright in telling his story. Perhaps it will help some other families who are going through the same thing your family has gone through. I am working as a volunteer of "Out of the Dark", a drug awareness/prevention organization in Craighead County(www.outofthedark.org), because it has helped me to heal from losing my son to drug addiction five years ago. May God be with you and sustain you. Time will help heal, but it will never go away. I didn't know your son, but we as a nation have got to learn that addiction is an illnes and needs to be treated as one, instead of hoping the courts will take care of it. God Bless.
Larnie Campbell
#18
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I was a senior at Episcopal when Patrick was in middle school. Despite all my best efforts, Patrick wasn't intimidated in the least bit by me. He worked on the crew of Into the Woods (a play I was in), and after the first couple days, my friends (also seniors) and I realized that Patrick was infinitely cooler than we ever were in middle school. His humor was quick, his heart was warm and his talents were endless. I genuinely appreciated his friendship. Throughout the next few years I saw Patrick less, but when I did, I was always impressed with the young man he was becoming, but I couldn't help, but feel a little worried despite the confidence he always displayed. A death like Patrick's leaves us all wondering, "What could I have done?" "Why didn't I say something?" "Didn't I know!?" The truth is though, none of that matters at this point. Like Patrick, we all do the best we can day-by-day. I am so happy I got to know Patrick in his short life, no matter how unfortunate the end. Over the years I have known a lot of young people who have died for similar reasons--whether it be overdosing or suicide; our generation is often susceptible to self-destructing behavior. I really appreciate Patrick's obituary. It is honest. Patrick was an amazing guy, but he did have some problems. I especially admire the recognition of both parts of Patrick, because it shows how human we all are. Every single one of us is vulnerable to this world. I am so sorry that we have things available to us that falsely relieve us from this vulnerability. It is such a brave thing to talk about someone's faults after they die, because it helps us remember they were just human after all...just like the rest of us. In Patrick's case, it would have been "easier" to chalk it up to some kind of medical mystery, but the reason of his death was clear and I really admire the courage it must take to admit it not only to one's self, but out loud for everyone to hear. What an incredible act as a parent...you should be as proud of yourselves as you were of Patrick. Thank you so much for revealing the real story, because although it may seem easier to hide; your honesty brings to light a very dark, but very real issue in our world. Drug abuse is something that can happen by anyone from anywhere...even to witty and brilliant Eagle Scout artists from Little Rock, Arkansas.

Mr. Clemmons, Ms. Day, Colin, and all of Patrick's other family and friends... thank you so much for bringing such an incredible individual into this world and thank you equally for allowing him to leave this world honestly, and with dignity. I guarantee this honesty will help the rest of us pay a little more attention to our own vulnerability and those of the one's we love the very most.


Respectfully,
Larnie Campbell
Draxie Rogers
#17
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I am just a person who wants you to know that I care. My daughter pointed our the eloquent obituary and it brought tears to my eyes. It is obvious that the person writing it was pouring into it the hurt and pain that comes with the loss of a child, no matter what the cause. I think it's hard to know how a parent feels unless he or she has suffered such a loss. Our first baby died right after birth; then we lost a 2-yr. old son with a closed head injury from a fall that seemed so insignificant. I was blessed to have Dr. James Argue as pastor of our church and his counseling brought me through what I thought was impossible to survive. He convinced me to let God in even closer than I had ever experienced and showed me that I could more than survive such a terrible loss; I ended up stronger in my faith than ever before. For you, right now it seems there should not be football games on TV or rock and roll music on radio; don't they realize that what could have been a beautiful life has been lost so foolishly! But time will heal; I heard that a thousand times and didn't believe it for a minute. But it is true.
I didn't know Patrick and I don't know your family, but my heart aches for your loss. If I could take away some of your pain, I would, as would so many of your friends and family. But that's not the way it works. A verse I received from a friend has helped bring me through some dark times. "May the love of friends (and even those who don't know you, but care) comfort you.
May the love of God grant you peace." This is my sincere prayer for you. Patrick is resting in God's arms now. Let the same God help you through this.
Traci Berry
#16
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I did not know Patrick, but I will be clipping this obituary to give to my 18 year old son--in the hope that it will help him with his own struggles. Thank you so much for your candor--hopefully it will awaken many teenagers to what lies at the end of the road they choose. Although I don't know you, my heart goes out to you--I am so terribly sorry for your loss.
a friend
#15
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Oh, how my heart aches for you. I, too, have a son who has struggled with substance abuse. I know only too well, the pain that it causes. Only luck has thus far prevented me from walking in the shoes you walk in today. May God bless you and make your pain bearable and your memories of Patrick pain free.
Hannah Campbell
#14
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I am just so sorry to hear this. I am just so sorry. My heart goes out to you all. I'm just so sorry.

Jennifer Choate
#13
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Clemmons Family, Please know that your family is in my prayers. I did not know Patrick and do not know you but as the mother of a step-child that suffers from addiction I know your pain. The courage you showed in the obiturary should be applauded. I hope that it will save some other family from going through what you are going through. There are no words to help but please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
S. Richardson
#12
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I was moved by Patrick's wonderful obituary in today's paper and it touched me deeply since I have a loved one currently in rehab. I can feel the pride, love and great sorrow in your words. As a former teacher, it brings memories of others lost in this tragic way. I copied your words and plan to pass them along to others in hopes of reaching those young folks who are beginning to tamper with drugs. May all the good memories of this sweet boy bring you comfort.
Penny and Jesse Shannon
#11
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Dear Susan, Skip and Colin,
With deepest sympathy, you and your family will be in our daily prayers.

Penny & Jesse
Frank & Erin Gentile
#10
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Dear Skip, Susan & Family ?

You are in our prayers. Thank you for sharing his story with us and others. I imagine you did, in part, because you feel some good would come of it. I know it will. May our Father in Heaven embrace him and bless you and your entire family with comfort and peace at this time. ??.they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk, and not faint.?
Sandee Scarborough
#9
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I read your son's obituary just know and cried.
What an amazing young man, who could have done anything and now we have lost one of our best to drugs. My heart goes out to all who knew and loved him and I too pray he has found peace in Heaven and that God will comfort and sustain you all. I will pray for you.
June Freeman
#8
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Our heart goes out to all of you. We did not know Patrick but we do and did know the Clemmons family and much admired them. Patrick, as you said, had so much going for him but, for some unfathomable reasons, not enough to hold on to. So saddened by your loss.
June and Ed Freeman
(parents of Andy, Gretchen, David and Eric)
MJ Orellano
#7
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for the courageous obituary you printed. Patrick was a gifted individual and I appreciate you sharing his life and struggle with addiction in such detail. I think your transparency about his addiction may save another teenagers life. There are many lessons you shared. He accomplished so much in such a short time. Again, I am sorry for your loss. May God comfort you and give you peace.
Julie Baldridge
#6
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I am so sorry. He was a wonderful kid. I wish you love, peace, and grace.
Bo Plyler
#5
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Susan and family,

Our prayers and thoughts are with you
Bill Kennedy
#4
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Words fail me. Go with God.
Hannah Singer
#3
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I am so sorry for your loss. Patrick was a great kid with tons of potential. He was compassionate and caring. I will never forget his talents, friendship,sense of humor, sense of style and the many memories from when we worked together. I'm praying for your family.
Harold Beckwith
#2
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Skip and Susan my prayers are with you and your family.
Robert and Kathy Lusk
#1
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family during this tragic time. We pray that God's love surrounds and protects you.

Robert and Kathy Lusk

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