Joseph Benson Jr.

Joseph Benson "Joe" Clemans Jr., 77, of Coolidge died peacefully at home on Nov. 20, 2017, surrounded by his beloved family.

Mr. Clemans was born on Aug. 21, 1940, to Joe "Bud" Clemans Sr. and Helen Clemans and grew up in Coolidge. He lived in Chandler for a few years but returned to Coolidge, where he remained for the rest of his life. He graduated from Coolidge High School in 1958. In 1957, he met the love of his life, Kathy (Kirkland), whom he married, and they were together for 58 years.

He was a truck driver and dispatcher for United Metro for 30 years and retired in 2003. He was an avid NASCAR, Diamondbacks and dirt track racing fan. He raced for several years at Arizona racetracks, mainly at Eleven Mile Corner. He loved spending a lot of the summer at his and his wife’s place in Show Low, with all of his family and friends, and attended the NASCAR races every year since the 1960s at Phoenix International Raceway. His favorite time of all was sitting out on the back porch with Kathy and family, especially in the heat (115 degrees was nothing to him). He preferred it over the winter months.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter and son, Peggy of Coolidge and Joe III of Pinetop-Lakeside; a sister, Kathy of Mesa; a brother, Mike of Chandler; and seven grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a brother, Earle Clemans Sr.

Celebration of life from 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 25, at the American Legion in Coolidge.

J. Warren Funeral Services, Cole & Maud Coolidge Chapel in charge of arrangements.