Clymer, former mayor, dead at 70
Published 2:07 am Monday, June 16, 2008
By By MARCIA STEFFENS / Niles Daily Star
NILES – Niles has lost one of its hardest and most dedicated servants. Berrien County Commissioner from District 13 and former Niles Mayor Larry W. Clymer died this morning at his home in Niles.
District 13 consists of the City of Niles and part of Niles Charter Township.
Clymer, a Republican, has served as a county commissioner for 14 years.
Sitting by him all those years has been Donald Ryman, representing Buchanan's District 11.
"I feel very bad. He was a good friend and ally. Though he had some health problems, this is still a shock," Ryman said.
"He was a very bright fellow. He did a great service to the City of Niles and the Berrien County Commission. He was an excellent commissioner."
Ryman added he will miss the morning breakfasts and weekly lunches with Clymer.
"I didn't know him as well as Ryman," said Jack Young, another one of the luncheon group. The group keeps dwindling, as "people die all the time," he added.
Clymer had been added to a group which originally stemmed from the Pickwick Club.
Clymer was born and raised in Niles. A graduate of Niles High School, he retired from Tyler Refrigeration after 30 years of service.
Clymer had been married to his wife Eleanor for nearly 45 years. They have two sons.
Along with serving being the youngest Mayor and serving for 14 years, Clymer served on the Niles Board of Public Works. He also served eight years in the Michigan National Guard.
"I believe to make things happen, one must be an active member, pursuing a positive outcome regardless of the many challenges before us," said Clymer when he was running for his fourth term as Berrien County Commissioner.
"I have the time and desire to continue to serve you, and will pledge to face each issue with a thoughtful and positive attitude.'
During his tenure, Clymer has chaired the Juvenile Justice Task Force, the Lakeshore Coordinating Council, the Niles Area Transportation Committee and the Berrien County Administration Committee.
Clymer also led the effort for an 800 mega hertz emergency radio system and served as the Treasurer of the Southwestern Michigan Consortium.
He served as vice chair of the Berrien County Administration Committee and was the board liaison to the Berrien County Health Board. He also served as chair of the Berrien County Disaster Team, the Southwestern Michigan Commission and the Berrien County Sewer Appeals Committee.
Additionally, Clymer was a member of the Solid Waste Consortium, the Niles Area Transportation Committee and the Broadband Committee. He was also the Berrien County representative on the local revenue board of the Pokagon Native American band.
Running for re-election in August of 2006, Clymer, then president of the Berrien County Commissioners Board, was challenged by Republican Robert Durm.
Commenting on while he continued to serve, Clymer said, "I think there is a lot of challenges up there. I just think Berrien County's got a bright future and I want to be a part of it."
Clymer was also involved in putting together the county's juvenile task force in 2001 and he chaired the committee.
Arrangements are pending at Brown Funeral Home &Cremation Services of Niles.