OBERST, Cletus (Clete) Edward, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 10th, 2017, at his home in Centerville, OH, in the presence of his loving wife Dee and family. Clete was born in Owensboro, Kentucky on March 7th, 1930. He learned and embraced the virtue of service to others at the family-owned grocery store, where his parents helped so many others in need during the Great Depression. Clete attended St. Joseph High School in Owensboro, where he was active in drama, band, and chorus, and where he excelled at basketball. Upon graduation from St Joseph's in 1948, he took his "A" game, with his visionary jump shot, and hitchhiked to Dayton. He enrolled at University of Dayton to fulfill his desire for a college degree and to continue his love for basketball. By the time he graduated in 1952, with a Bachelor of Arts degree, he had traveled to Madison Square Garden twice, under Coach Tom Blackburn, to compete in the National Invitation Tournament championship game. Ever since stepping onto a UD basketball court, he has been one of the University's and UD Basketball's biggest fans. After graduating from UD, Clete served as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, and his tours of duty included the Korean Conflict and the Berlin Crisis. Clete's civilian career began in Dayton in 1955, at Dayton Nut Products, where he served as VP for Production & Planning and General Manager. He was Vice President of Development at Brescia College (Owensboro) from 1963 to 1971. In May of 1965, he was awarded the highest title of honor, "Kentucky Colonel", by the Commonwealth of Kentucky, in recognition of his service to others. From 1972 to 1975, he served as Director of Development at St. Mary's Seminary and University (Baltimore), and in 1975, he returned to his alma mater, The University of Dayton. At UD, Clete served as Director of Development & Planned Giving from 1975 until his retirement in 1992. During those years, he founded both "The President's Club" and the "John Stuart Society", which are avenues where UD alumni, parents and friends can express extraordinary generosity through their gifting. Clete continued to serve UD after his retirement as a great ambassador. Clete is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Doloris (Dee) Oberst (Centerville, OH). Clete was preceded in death by his first wife, Elizabeth, his parents, Herman and Anna, brothers, Herman, Marcellus, and Gerald, sisters, Elizabeth (O'Bryan) and Ann Marie (Davis), and grandson, Michael Giltner. Clete is survived by his sister, Rose Clark (Al) of Owensboro, KY; daughters, Dianne Newcomb (Jim) of Phoenix, AZ, Paula Dunahoo (Bill) of Severna Park, MD, Gail Giltner (Jim) of Akron, OH; sons, Tom (Normajean) of Middletown, DE, David of Dayton, OH, Matt (Robin) of Dallas, TX, Jeff (Angel) of Cincinnati, OH, and stepson Jeff Brannen (Shelley) of Omaha, Nebraska; sisters-in-law, Sue Hill (Bill) and Carol Cecil (Bill) of Owensboro, KY, and brother-in-law, Delbert Hayden (Ellen) of Bowling Green, KY. Clete is survived by 24 loving grandchildren, and 16 loving great-grandchildren. Clete was a member of Incarnation Catholic Church in Centerville. Visitations and viewing will be on Sunday, September 17th from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Tobias Funeral Home at 5471 Far Hills Ave, Dayton, OH 45429. Funeral Services will be Monday, September 18th at 10:00 a.m. at the University of Dayton Chapel of the Immaculate Conception. There is no parking at the UD Chapel. Shuttle bus services will begin at 9:00am from 1700 South Patterson Boulevard, which is the UD River Campus. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery, Dayton, OH, following the services. In lieu of flowers, a gift may be made to the "Cletus E. and Betty A. Oberst Family Scholarship", at the University of Dayton, which supports student athletes. Donations are payable to "University of Dayton", 300 College Park, Dayton, OH 45469-7053. Please reference scholarship as listed above with donation. Donations in honor of Clete can also be mailed to the American Heart Association at 1313 W. Dorothy Lane, Kettering, OH 45409. Condolences may be made at www.tobiasfuneralhome.com
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September 19, 2017
Dear Cletus family
The world is a better place because of Cletus and his wonderful family.
God bless you all
Cousin , Pat Oberst TePas :I'm
September 19, 2017
Debbie Mobley
No matter the age it is hard to lose a loved one. Hoping you have more smiles than tears as you journey on with memories of a life well lived.
September 15, 2017
Joe and Maggie O'Bryan
Oberst Family,
Our hearts go out to you at this time for no matter how old a parent is when they pass, it is still a painful time. May God hold him in the palm of His hand. Thoughts and prayers for all.
September 15, 2017
American Heart Association
May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.
September 14, 2017
Eileen Hoffman
All my love to this exceptional family. The Oberst name will always reflect Mr. Oberst as his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren carry his legacy of love and service to others. And what a basketball player he must give been!
September 14, 2017
Alison (Oberst) Davis
I have such wonderful memories of spending time with your whole family when you lived in Owensboro. Uncle Clete was a very special person and I was always happy to get the opportunity to visit with him. Last time was in Dayton several years ago and it was great to catch up. We also emailed several times when we were looking at UD for our children. Uncle Clete was such a great advocate for UD! Your family will be in our prayers!
September 14, 2017
Charlie Duren
Our thoughts and prayers are with Paula, Bill and the entire Oberst family. Dana and Charlie Duren
September 11, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are wth you all now and in the days to come. May the wonderful memories of a life well lived bring you comfort.
Love
Jane Ranft
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Tobias Funeral Home - Far Hills Chapel5471 Far Hills Ave, Dayton, OH 45429
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Tobias Funeral Home - Far Hills Chapel5471 Far Hills Ave, Dayton, OH 45429
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