John Fredrick Clements

John Fredrick Clements (71) of Marion, Ohio, was a 1969 graduate of Newcomerstown High School. He was born on July 31, 1950, in Tucson, Arizona, and spent many years of his childhood making happy memories on the piers and beaches of Pensacola, Florida. Fishing and boating brought him joy, as his soul was drawn to water. Long motorcycle rides brought him peace. He wouldn’t admit it, but he had a huge heart for animals; aptly, he passed on June 13, 2022, at home, his beloved orange cat by his side (whom he honored with his last word: “Charlie”). He had a quick temper but the whip-smart mind of a mechanic who could fix anything—in his own sweet time.

He drug his feet going to social gatherings but found himself wrapped up in conversations that would last for hours. He had more friends than he ever knew and the best deep belly laughs. He enjoyed a good meal, but could never find enough black pepper or hot sauce. He could outlast anyone in a sci-fi or western movie-watching marathon. His signature style was a long-sleeved flannel and blue jeans regardless of the weather, topped with a white knee-high sock tied around his head to catch the hard-earned sweat. He made a great campfire and was a good storyteller, having “seen the Easter bunny hopping across the lawn just minutes ago” on multiple occasions.

Hated: enclosed spaces, cold weather, computers, and parking anywhere near the entrance of a retail establishment. Loved: his children, more than anything in this world. He often proclaimed them his greatest accomplishments in life: Music educator and medical lab technician Dustin Fredrick Clements, BMEd, AS. English professor and published author Jessica Elizabeth (Clements) Williams, BA, MA, PhD. And veterinary clinic manager and lifelong animal advocate Teresa Estelle (Clements) Kish, BS, MPH-VPH.

Variously called “Big Daddy,” “Outlaw Grandpa,” and “Grandpa Jungle John,” he is also survived by his grandchildren Benjamin David Clements, Brevin Allan Williams, Joviana Elizabeth Williams, Nicole Marie (Weber) Sessing, and Derrick A. Weber; son, Stephen John Clements; and sister, Linda Sue (Clements) Moore. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fredrick Hixon Clements and Velma Estella (Shepherd) Clements, and daughter, Roberta Marie (Clements) Weber. Over the last ten years, he became best phone friends with his son-in-law, Rick Williams, who kept him in check and willfully indulged his quirky sense of humor. He also passed in the presence of the love of his life, despite the two stubborn assess having divorced over a decade ago.

John was adamant that he be cremated—with no funeral service—having provided his children multiple full-color copies of the cremation service provider’s ad with the words “funeral service” crossed out. His ashes will be spread in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Pensacola, so that he can rest in peace with his daddy. In lieu of cards, gifts, or flowers, John would want you to go out and do something that makes you happy, in his memory.

“. . . [H]e's an angel with no halo
And one wing in the fire.” (Trent Tomlinson, “One Wing in the Fire”)