Lillian M. “Kixmiller” Clinkenbeard passed away in her hometown of Freelandville, IN, on September 25, 2025, at the age of 93. She was born on February 21, 1932, in the same community that she adored and contributed to throughout her life. Lillian’s unwavering dedication to her family, church, and community left an enduring legacy of warmth and caring.
After graduating from high school, Lillian soon found love and married John Clinkenbeard on August 7, 1952, in Freelandville. Together, they built a life grounded in service and kinship. Lillian’s vocational endeavors included her role as a telephone operator for the Freelandville Telephone Company and as a meticulous Meter Reader for Win Energy. However, she found her true calling in the loving labor of a homemaker, nurturing and shaping the lives of her children and grandchildren with tenderness and grace.
Lillian excelled in her role as a 4-H leader, sharing her passion for embroidery and her skills with the blossoming youth of Freelandville. Her devout faith was exemplified through her attendance at Bethel Church and her involvement with the Bethel Women’s Guild. Lillian’s generous spirit manifested most warmly as she orchestrated funeral dinners at Bethel Church, ensuring that families in mourning were comforted with fellowship and a compassionate meal.
Surviving Lillian are her devoted children, Gordon and Janet Clinkenbeard of Freelandville, IN, and Brad and Kathy Clinkenbeard of Vincennes, IN. Her legacy flourishes through her adoring grandchildren, Matthew Clinkenbeard (Jenny) of Bruceville, IN, and Nicholas Clinkenbeard (Paige) of West Lafayette, IN; and her cherished great-grandchildren, Reece, Abby, Jackson, and Nolan Clinkenbeard. She also leaves behind her in-laws, Bill Clinkenbeard (Karen), Jim Clinkenbeard (Linda), Mary Yagle, Richard Clinkenbeard, Sara Kixmiller, and Sally Clinkenbeard, along with numerous beloved nieces and nephews.
Lillian was preceded in death by her husband, John Clinkenbeard; her parents, Alvin and Alma “Held” Kixmiller; her daughter, Donna Clinkenbeard; her grandson, Eric Clinkenbeard; her brother, Max Kixmiller; and her in-laws, Barbara and Ed Kirk, Dan Yagle, Jill Clinkenbeard, John and Carol Bobe, and Bruce Clinkenbeard.
In recounting the story of Lillian’s life, one is reminded that the most profound impact we can leave on this world is often found in the quiet acts of love and daily devotion to those around us. Her memory will be cherished, and her lessons of love and friendship will continue to echo through the lives she touched. Lillian’s journey on earth has come to a close, but the ripples of her influence propagate onward, shaping the fabric of her community for years to come.
There will be a visitation on Monday, September 29, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Bethel Church. A service will be held at 1:00 p.m., officiated by Pastor Bryan Taylor. Burial will follow at Bethel Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Bethel Guild or Backpacks of Love for VCSC. Online condolences and fond memories may be made at www.fredrickandson.com. Fredrick and Son McClure-Utt Funeral Home, Bicknell Chapel, is honored to be entrusted with Mrs. Clinkenbeard’s arrangements.
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