Lindell "Lin" Earl Clonts, 85, of St. James, MO passed away Saturday, June 22, 2013 in Rolla, MO. He was born July 14, 1927 in Shirley, MO to Walter Bascom Clonts and his wife Jessie Maude Harmon Clonts. On April 9, 1950 in Rosati, MO, he was united in marriage to Christine Piazza. and to this union three children were born. Christine preceded him in death in 2012.

Lin grew up in Steelville and graduated from Steelville High School. He served honorably in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict.. During the early 1950's, he worked in the Bahamas building air strips. After marriage and living in Steelville for a short time, he took his wife and family to St. Louis where their children were raised. He worked in concrete construction, helping to build the Arch and the second St. Louis Cardinal stadium. He was a member of the Laborers Union Local #42.

He was raised in the Presbyterian Church and attended Catholic Mass with Margo, his daughter, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Rosati.

Lin never met a stranger and always loved to tell stories. He always enjoyed entertaining and cooking while visiting and telling many jokes. He was always adamant about keeping his kids on the straight and narrow path or keeping his "chicks in a row." He also enjoyed tinkering in the garage and was always ready for a garage sale.

He is survived by his two sons, Grayling Miles Clonts and wife Kathy of Mt. Home, AR and Lance Lendo Clonts and wife Melissa of Troy, MO; one daughter, Margo Lynn Clonts of St. James, MO; one brother, Emery Clonts and wife Marlene of Steelville, MO; one brother in-law, Lawrence Piazza and wife Mary Ann of Cuba, MO; and one sister in-law, Lillian Clonts of Phoenix, AZ;  six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Christine Clonts; seven brothers, Edwin Buck Clonts and wife Susie, Lester Clonts, Darrell Clonts and wife Donna, Paul, Estel, Glenn and Raymond Clonts; and one sister, Eilene Cape and husband Gerald.

The Family received friends from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 29, 2013 at the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, MO.

Memorial services were held at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 29, 2013 at the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home  with Father Charles Pardee officiating. Special memories were shared by his two children.

Committal prayer and inurnment were in the Hibler Cemetery, Steelville, MO. Full military honors were given by the U.S. Army and St. James VFW.

The Family was served by the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home of Steelville, MO.