James Robert Clement, 95, of Conway, died Friday, Aug. 19, 2022, in Lebanon South Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Lebanon.
He was born July 17, 1927, in Lebanon, Mo. to Chester L. and Letha A. O’Dell Clement.
On Oct. 1, 1950, he was united in marriage to Grace Mae Fetters, and to this union one daughter and two sons were born. Grace preceded him in death on Feb. 11, 2003. On Sept. 20, 2003, he was united in marriage to Ruthalee V. Dunklin and they shared almost four years before her passing on June 11, 2007.
He also was preceded in death by his parents, and a great-grandson, Gabriel Clement.
Robert was raised in the Bear Thicket community, and attended Bear Thicket School. He then graduated from Phillipsburg High School. He served his country faithfully in the United States Army for a few years and then returned to the Lebanon area where he and Grace raised their family. Robert worked as a welder for Laclede Metal for several years, and then was employed as a Civil Service worker for three years. He decided to do farming as his basic work and also bought and sold farm equipment. He earned his pilot’s license and he and a friend owned a plane which they both loved to take up on flights. He enjoyed working on televisions and radios and liked piddling with steam engines.
He made his profession of faith in Christ early in his life and was a member of the Bear Thicket United Methodist Church.
Survivors include a daughter, Sandra Schallenberg and her husband Herman of Overland Park, Kan.; two sons, Doyle Clement and his wife Deanna of Conway, and Wendell Clement and his wife Theresa of Grovespring; nine grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
A graveside service and burial for James Robert Clement was held at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Bear Thicket Cemetery near Phillipsburg with Pastor J.R. Jones officiating, under the direction of Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Lebanon.
Visitation was held from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Sunday in the funeral home. A memorial has been established for the Bear Thicket Cemetery and contributions may be made through the funeral home.
For more information or to view or sign the online memorial visit www.holmanhowe.com.
