South Windsor, CT - Richard "Dick" Montgomery Clokey, 89, formerly of Terre Haute, passed away at home in Connecticut on November 19, 2025, with his sons by his side. Born on September 22, 1936, in Youngstown, Ohio to Frank Campbell Clokey and Sara Montgomery Clokey, he grew up outside of Cleveland with his beloved brother Donald Campbell Clokey. Dick's curiosity about people and society led him to become a historian. That curiosity also made him a delightful conversationalist and a wise and gentle counselor. Family, friends, and colleagues were beneficiaries of his sage advice and welcoming good humor.

Dick earned his Bachelor of Arts in 1958 from Williams College and spoke very fondly of his days there as a student, fraternity leader, and cross-country runner. Continuing his education, he earned both a Master of Science (1959) and Ph.D. (1969) from the University of Wisconsin and authored William H. Ashley: Enterprise and Politics in the Trans-Mississippi West (1980). His nearly 40-year career as a Professor of History at Indiana State University included 14 years as the Vice President of Academic Affairs among other administrative roles. The ISU community also benefitted from his lifelong love of jazz as he co-founded Friends of Jazz; co-hosted ISU's radio program, "Jazz We Like It;" co-sponsored a series that brought prominent jazz artists to campus; and taught jazz appreciation to a generation of ISU students.

In his retirement, he enjoyed being present in his children's and grandchildren's lives; traveling often to share in holidays, special occasions, and milestones. He could often be found on a weekend at Stables Steakhouse with a gin and tonic in hand, enjoying the music of John Spicknall and bandmates and spending time in conversation with dear friends.

His avocations included tennis, flower gardening, reading private detective fiction, writing occasional letters-to-the-editor advocating for higher education, completing crossword puzzles, playing cards, and being a devoted (and long-disappointed) fan of the Cleveland Indians/Guardians and Cleveland Browns. He had become a resident of South Windsor, Connecticut in recent years and found a welcoming community there. His love of teaching continued as he facilitated a series of discussions with fellow residents around films of the American West.

Dick is survived by son, David Montgomery Clokey, his wife Diane, and grandchildren Andrew, Brian, and Sara Clokey; and son Craig Bedell Clokey, his wife Renee, and granddaughter Traci Williams. He also leaves behind nieces Janet Clokey (Jay Neuhaus) and Karen (Ken) Stiles, nephew Tyler (Kathy) Clokey, many grandnieces, grandnephews, great-grandnieces, great-grandnephews, and his significant other Marcia Goodman. He was predeceased by his parents and brother.

Dick's family is grateful to the hospice workers and health aides that made it possible for him to spend his final days at home. A Celebration of Life will be held in Ohio at a later date.