Clarence Vincent Monin

Clarence Vincent Monin, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully in his sleep in the early morning hours on June 26, 2025, in his hometown of Louisville, KY, at the age of 84. Born on October 11, 1940, to the late Gilbert Monin and Aileen Maines, Clarence’s life was a testament to his loving heart, adventurous lifestyle, interesting character, thoughtful nature, and sense of humor. He could be described as a fun-loving, happy-go-lucky, people magnet.

Clarence grew up in Louisville, spending his formative years at St. Thomas-St. Vincent Orphanage, later he attended Trinity High School, laying the foundation for a life of dedication and service. His career began in 1964 when he joined the “first ever” locomotive engineer apprentice program at the Louisville & Nashville Railroad (L&N), marking the beginning of a unique career as a locomotive engineer.

Clarence’s commitment to his profession was evident, as he elevated through the chairs of the union, he eventually became the International President of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (BLE), (United States, Canada, and Mexico), now known as Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLE-T), advocating for his colleagues until his retirement in 2000.

Beyond his professional life, Clarence was a man of faith and had a community spirit. He founded the non-profit organization, Our Brother’s Keeper Foundation (OBKF), now called Railroad Worker Benefit Foundation (RWBF), which reflected his thoughtful and loving nature. His dedication to helping others was evident to those who may have lost a loved one in a devastating, critical train accident or who suffered a debilitating injury on the job.

He has always had a strong relationship with God and even with cancer he found comfort knowing he was going Home.

Clarence’s hobbies were as interesting as his personality. He found solace in the tranquility of fishing at Nolin Lake, a pastime that allowed him to reflect on the simplicity of life. He also enjoyed playing golf and used it as a way to relax and relieve stress, finding peace and quiet on the course. His love for the outdoors was a facet of his life that he enjoyed sharing with his wife, family, and friends. In more recent years, he also found pleasure while camping and boating with his wife, Lyra, at Nolin Lake, where he frequently enjoyed wonderful times at his daughter Robin’s lake home.

Family was the cornerstone of Clarence’s life. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Lyra of 42-1/2 years, and a loving father to his three children, Robin (Kelly) Greschel, Angela (Jesse) Tamura, and Thomas (Jennifer) Monin. His legacy continues through his six grandchildren, Jacquelyn Greschel (Michael), Sean (Kristina) Greschel, Jessica (Jordan) Walker, Jordan Tamura (Bridgett), Catherine Monin and Nolin Monin; and his three great-grandchildren, Brendan, Dylan, and Rosalie Greschel. These loved ones were the apple of his eye.

He is survived by his sisters Joyce (Paul) Jordan, Linda Lee, Judy (Larry) Johnson, as well as, the mother of his children, Gayle Monin, along with a host of his extended family, in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Clarence was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Margaret Adams, two brothers Joseph Monin and Jackie Cabell, and brother-in-law Ed Lee.

Clarence’s memory will be held in the hearts of those who knew him, as a beacon of thoughtfulness and compassion. As we bid farewell to this remarkable man, we celebrate the enduring impact he has left on his wife, family, friends, union brothers, and community. Clarence’s journey on earth has concluded, but his spirit will continue to guide and inspire us for generations to come.

Thank you, Clarence, for being such an influential part of all of our lives!

Other hobbies included: watching football and NASCAR, and playing cards and games with those he loved.

A visitation will occur on Tuesday, July 1st from 4pm to 8pm at Arch L. Heady and Son Westport Village, 7410 Westport Rd., Louisville, KY 40222. A funeral service will take place on Wednesday, July 2nd at 11am, with visitation prior, from 10am to 11am at Duncan Memorial Chapel, 5600 Old Floydsburg Rd, Crestwood, KY 40014. Following the funeral service, burial will be in Floydsburg Cemetery on the same property as Duncan Memorial Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, our family asks that you would consider making a donation to the foundation Clarence began, the Railroad Worker Benefit Foundation, or to his daughter Angela’s foundation for the homeless, Jacob’s Ladder.