Clyde Philip Kassens, Jr.
Clyde Philip Kassens, Jr. passed away at his home on Sunday January 25, 2026. Phil was born in Chicago, IL on March 15, 1940, to Mona Stanley Kassens and Clyde Kassens and raised in Liberty, IN. Phil was a graduate of Short High School in Liberty. Being a rebellious young man of a pacifist, Quaker father, he joined the United States Navy… as was prominently displayed as a tattoo on his forearm (also to the dismay of his father). Phil was honorably discharged in 1962 after serving the country he loved for four years in Naval Intelligence. He used to joke that the irony of that specialty did not escape his father either.
Phil married Mary Ellen Thomas in 1963 and had two children, one of which died in infancy. Mary Ellen passed away on Christmas Eve 1967. Phil, with his daughter, Suzie in tow, returned to Liberty where he turned on the charm to swoon Bonnie Fields (but only after the approval of her young son, Randy). Bonnie and Clyde married on January 30, 1969, and welcomed their son, Mark, later that year. Another son, Gary, was born in 1971.
After years of being the life of the party and the last one to leave the bar, Phil gave his life to Christ in 1978. The reborn man travelled the country, with his family in tow, to testify about Jesus, forgiveness, unconditional love and 2nd, 3rd and 4th chances (honestly, he stopped counting).
He ministered to thousands (literally) over the years and made an impact on more souls than he knew. He was the proud minister at Mt. Pleasant Church, a volunteer at the state hospital in Richmond ministering to people struggling with addiction and he ministered through Divine Diet Ministries in Liberty where he handed out bibles, books, pamphlets, etc. to those in need.
Phil and Bonnie began their married life together in Overland Park, KS, moved back to Liberty, moved to Marco Island, FL, moved back to Liberty, moved to Surprise, AZ, then moved back to Liberty for good in 2010 when they became legal guardians for Bella when she was a baby and have continued to love and support her.
Phil and Bonnie enjoyed following and cheering on their grandchildren’s passions and were quiet benefactors of those hobbies and sports.
Phil’s legacy lives on with his loving wife and their children Suzan (Dewey) Hughes, Randy (Lou Ann) Kassens, Mark (Kathy) Kassens and Gary Kassens; grandchildren David Hughes, Daniel (Jaime) Hughes, Keturah Thornton, Hannah (Travis) Weller, Andrea (Peter) Gottsch, Jessica Webb, Derek Kassens, Allison (Avery) Seibert, Lauren (Logan) Deeter, Emma Kassens, Elizabeth Kassens, William Kassens, Katie (Zac) Belcher, Cristian Kassens as well as 15 great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his favorite cousin Amy (Joe) Delery and their 2 daughters in New Orleans. Phil is preceded in death by his infant son Clyde Philip Kassens, III, his wife Mary Ellen and his parents Mona and Clyde.
A memorial will be held at a later date when the snow has melted, and the flowers are in bloom.
Urban Winkler Liberty Funeral Home is honored to assist the Kassens family with the arrangements.
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