Howard C. Clemons

Howard C. Clemons, Mt. Sterling, KY, age 95, proud WWII Navy Veteran and a wonderful husband, father and friend, passed away February 5, 2019 at Thomson-Hood Veterans Center, Wilmore, KY.  Born in Jackson, Kentucky, he was the son of the late Henry and Laura Mann Clemons. He was a member of Easter Church United Baptist, a millwright welder and machinery setter.  He was a faithful member of the American Legion Post 22 Honor Guard and the Masonic Lodge.

Howard, Zeke, Pap, Clem, Papaw, or Pappy Check, as he was fondly known to many, would do whatever he could to help anytime someone had a need.  When family, friend, or neighbor called needing a hand, his answer would most naturally be, "Yeah, be right there."  Howard rarely met a stranger, loved working with his hands, was a natural do-it-yourselfer, never saw anything he couldn't fix or improve, and was one of the best welders around.  He loved his God, his country, hunting, fishing, and especially his family.  Another old soldier has gone to his long home.  He is now rejoicing once again with loved ones who have gone before him.  He will be sadly missed by his family and all who knew him.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 71 years, Ruby Mae Kidd Clemons, infant daughter, Diana Clemons, son, Alan Dale Clemons, 2 brothers, Estill and Will Clemons, 5 sisters, Alma Myers, Emily Blair, Beulah Hudson, Virginia Gill, Irene Drury, and great-grandson, Elijah Russell.

Howard is survived by 3 sons, James (Wilma) Clemons of Bloomington, IN, Ivan (Carol) Clemons, Camargo, KY, Darrell (Kathy) Clemons, Mansfield, OH, 1 daughter, Tracye (Jim) Russell, Douglas, AZ, 7 grandchildren, Jeffrey (Lana), Tammy (Timi), Heather (Tony), Kelly (Maurice), Karla (Curtis), Jacob (Amanda), Aaron (Katie), 10 great-grandchildren: Kayla, Jarrod, Gabe, Kadence, Jude, Selah, Asher, Isaac, Olivia, Ezra.

Visitation will be held Sunday, February 10, from 5-8:00 p.m. at Herald & Stewart Home for Funerals, Mt. Sterling, KY. Memorial service will be Monday at 11 a.m. with Pastors Steve and Roger McGuire officiating.  Interment will follow in Machpelah Cemetery.  His grandchildren will serve as his pallbearers.  Honorary pallbearers are the staff and his caregivers at Thomson-Hood Veterans Center.  We are so appreciative of the excellent and compassionate care "Papaw" received while he was there.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to American Legion Post 22 or Shriner's Children's Hospital.