Clarence "Buddy" W. Onken

Clarence “Buddy” W. Onken, 89, of Monon, passed away at 12:15 p.m. Wednesday, January 30, 2019 at Franciscan Health of Lafayette.

He was born September 1, 1929 in Francesville, Indiana to the late Herman and Melinda (Koebcke) Onken. Buddy played basketball in school and was a 1947 graduate of Francesville High School.

   After high school Buddy enlisted in the United States Army and was honorably discharged in 1948.

His marriage of 40 years was to Dorothy Louise Quasebarth on October 1, 1950 at the Monon First Baptist Church; she preceded him in death on April 10, 1990.   He later married Phyllis Elmore-Scroggins on March 12, 1993 in Knox, Indiana; she survives.

Mr. Onken was a member of the Monon First Baptist Church.

Buddy was a Master Carpenter by trade. He also worked for Monon Trailer as a supervisor for 25 years.

A man of few words, Buddy was kind, honorable, and gentle. He will be greatly missed by all of his family and friends.

Surviving with his wife Phyllis are his sons, Greg Onken (Anita Williams) of Buffalo, Ron Onken (Teresa) of South Bend and Brad Onken (Hilary) of Boston, MA; a daughter-in-law, Toni Onken of Monon, and his siblings, Nelda Garrett (Ron) of Winamac, Bob Vollmer (Helen) of Francesville, Ruth Ann Vollmer of Georgia and Fred Vollmer (Dee) of Tennessee. Buddy loved spending time with his family, especially his 19 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.

Preceding him in death with his parents and first wife is his son, Dennis Onken and his siblings, Leon Onken, Norma Vollmer, Richard Vollmer and Frances “Tootie” Vollmer.

Friends may call from 11 a.m. until the time of funeral service at 2 p.m. Saturday, February 2, 2019 at the Clapper Family Funeral Home of Monon; Pastor Jeff Scheffee to officiate. Interment with military rites to follow in Buffalo Cemetery.

Memorials may be made in his name to the Monon First Baptist Church or the Monon Civic Preservation Society.