William "Bill" Clements

Was born October 27, 1924 to William George and Mable Ethyl Hysom Clements in Fowler, Kansas. He was the sixth of seven children. His sisters, Pauline Wright, Della Barry, Leola Tillinghast, Pearl Youngs and his brothers Lloyd and James are all deceased. He is survived by his wife Jo Ann and his children Kathy Rosier of Cokeville, Wyoming, Deborah Case of Blue Springs, Missouri, and Mike Clements and his wife Michelle of Nederland, Colorado; stepchildren Jackie Kerby Moore and her husband Fred of Albuquerque, and Stephen Kerby, of Wagoner, Oklahoma. Grandchildren are Dee Dee Kerby, Mary Case, Willy, Charly, Kody and Kacy Clements. In addition, Bill is survived by his special family members, Jim and Kay Magovern, and Billy, Laurie, Jude, Lila and Hope Thiebaut. He also had a best friend, John Tonne. Bill retired from Mountain Bell Telephone Company in 1982 and relocated to Albuquerque, New Mexico to join his new wife Jo Ann. They spent 30 years together and enjoyed a well-earned retirement. Bill and Jo Ann loved their children and grandchildren and would readily produce pictures and tell stories to anyone who would listen! Bill spoke with pride when relating his experiences during World War II. Bill joined the US Marines at age 17 and was discharged one day after his 21st birthday. He served in excess of 30 months in the Pacific, was honorably discharged in October 1945, and received a citation for his efforts. Bill's life touched many people. His Mountain Bell assignments included Line School Instructor, Supervising Foreman, Corporate Safety Supervisor and Corporate Construction Manager. His knowledge of outside plant and his ability to relate to the craft employees enabled him to be instrumental in originating several training courses involving safety, pole climbing and operation of heavy equipment. For many years he traveled the seven states of Mountain Bell reviewing the safety and construction operations. He loved his work. By Bill's own standards, he was successful. He left the place in better condition than it was when he arrived. Cremation has taken place and a Memorial Service will be held at FRENCH - Lomas, Wednesday, January 9, 2012 at 10:30 a.m.. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Telephone Pioneer Museum, 110 4th Street NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102 or the local chapter of the American Red Cross.