Elmer "Clem" Clement

Jennings

The most popular boy of the Jennings High School Class of 1957 has gone to Heaven.  Elmer John Clement, 81, transitioned peacefully to eternal life at 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16 at Golden Age in Welsh. The youngest of seven children, he was born on April 19, 1939 to Henry and Sedonia (Gary) Clement.

In addition to being selected as the Most Popular Boy of his graduation class, he was also a member of the Key Club and the manager for the football and basketball teams. During his high school years, friends called him “Clem”, a nickname that followed him through the remainder of his life.  After graduation he worked for the State of Louisiana’s Office of Public Works for 31 years until his retirement in 1988.

When his dad Henry died in 1962, he remained home and cared for his mother Sedonia and helped to raise his great-nephew Chuck.  Clem made many lasting friendships and kept up with his two brothers, four sisters, and 32 nieces and nephews.  While those nieces and nephew numbers have expanded significantly, all know that their Uncle Clem was a strong supporter of the adage, “Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly and leave the rest to God.”

Clem was a dapper dresser and sports enthusiast who loved to watch LSU and Saints football.  He was a competitive golfer who loved the game and played whenever he could with friends and relatives.  It gave him joy and satisfaction to have had the opportunity to play a few “last rounds” with his cousin Troy Gary, nephews Dennis and David Doucet, great-nephew Ross Doucet and great-niece Elizabeth Ray.

He was a member of Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church in Jennings.  Clem often enjoyed the company of his many life-long friends including Bill, Gerald, Logan, Joe, and George, to name a few of the many.

Clem is survived by his brother Ray (Kay) Clement of Marshall, TX and scores of nieces and nephews.  Preceding him in death were his brother, Leroy Clement of Mamou, and his sisters, Helene Clement Young of Lafayette, Audrey Clement Doucet of Hathaway, Nora Clement Ray of Marshall, TX, and Norma Clement Harmon of St. Louis.

Visitation will be held Thursday, August 20, 2020 from 4:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.  A rosary will be said at 6:00 p.m. Thursday.

Private funeral services for Elmer “Clem” Clement will be held on Friday, August 21, 2020 at Our Lady Help of Christians with the Rev. Keith Pellerin officiating.  Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery in Jennings next to his oldest sister Helene, and her husband Murphy and his nephew Jerry under the direction of Miguez Funeral Home.

The family would like to thank Kim, his caregiver, in addition to family members Avia, Nina, and Becky for their unceasing love and devotion to his care in his final days; Uncle Clem’s family for their many prayers and support, in particular Virginia, Dennis, Sandy, Rhonda, and Peggy; Golden Age of Welsh (especially Cole and Riley) for their care of Uncle Clem in addition to the Heart of Hospice (Dori) for Elmer’s comfort in his final transition to eternal life.  Finally, to Suzanne for help with the funeral arrangements.