We are heartbroken to announce on December 10, 2022, Frederick (Fred) Roger Clements of Hudson, WI, loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away at the age of 74.
Fred leaves behind his wife, Faye Proulx, his children and step-children, Christopher Clements, Corey (Tara) Clements, Kelly (Cory) Jacklitch, Mara Alvarez, Maxwell Proulx, brother David (Madeleine) Clements and grandchildren Kayleigh and Aidan Clements and Lucas and Abel Jacklitch.
Fred was preceded in death by his first wife, Judy Clements, and parents Elmer and Mary Clements.
Fred grew up in New Lexington, Ohio. He showed early on he would grow up to be a strong and exceptional man, graduating high school as valedictorian and captain of the football, basketball and track teams.
After receiving a Congressional appointment to attend the United States Naval Academy, Fred graduated the Academy with a mathematics degree and then earned his Masters Degree in Civil Engineering from Purdue University.
Fred earned the rank of Captain in the United States Navy and proudly served as a Naval Officer for 28 years. His awards include a Meritorious Unit Commendation with the USS Basilone, a Meritorious Unit Commendation with OICC Guam, a Navy Unit Commendation with OICC Trident, a Navy Commendation Medal, and a Meritorious Service Medal.
After retiring from the Navy, Fred finished his distinguished career as Managing Director of Facilities at Northwest Airlines where he met his devoted wife and traveling partner, Faye. Before Parkinson’s Disease changed life for Fred, they enjoyed nearly 20 years together traveling, biking, dining and simply having a wonderful time just being together.
While Fred wore the cap of a Navy Captain, he wore other caps too and wore them well. He wore the cap of father and coach for his kids, coaching youth soccer and basketball. He wore the cap of role model and inspiration to his step-children. He wore the cap of supportive and loving husband and friend.
Fred will forever be missed. Fair skies and following seas, Captain Clements.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, December 16, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1500 Vine St., with a visitation held one hour prior to the Mass at church. The Mass will be livestreamed on St. Patrick’s Facebook page. Memorials are preferred to Tunnels to Towers Foundation, https://t2t.org/
Whenever the movie title “An Officer and A Gentleman” is mentioned, Fred comes to mind. He was the epitome of both. He was so very proud of his naval career and enjoyed discussing it with his friends.
He was also very much the gentleman. During the many meals and conversations we shared with Fred, Faye and friends, Fred was always gracious and attentive, interjecting his quick and subtle wit whenever he could.
Even as he suffered greatly from Parkinsons, he endured the pain with grace and courage. As difficult as it was to watch him suffer, he and Faye were a joy to spend time with.
We thank you Fred for your service to our country and we thank you for your friendship.
You are loved and will be geatly missed.
Ted and Judy
Fred was one year behind me at New Lexington High School in my husband’s class of 1966. He was always so pleasant. Later he ordered memorial arrangements from our flower shoppe for his parents;’ and Judy’s graves. You have my deepest sympathy and are in my thoughts and prayers.
Take care,
Alpha (Howerth) Black
Deepest Sympathy.
American Legion James E. Fisher Post No. 376
Junction City, Ohio
Fred has been like family to me since 1982. We worked together for six years. He was a smart pleasant man and wonderful friend. His wife Faye is a gift from God to him and she is a blessing to all who know her.
I have many wonderful memories of Fred which I will enjoy.
God bless Faye and family always.
Condolences to the family of Fred Clements. Our prayers are with you during this difficult time. I remember Fred as an outstanding leader and student athlete at New Lexington High School. He played for my father Jim Rockwell– all sports Football, Basketball, and Track. As I was a junior high student athlete at the time– I always respected Fred’s hard work, preparation, and execution every season. I remember hearing many positive conversations from Dad about Fred Clements– and how Fred’s contributions on the playing field make such a positive impact to his team’s overall successes. Fred was such a positive role model for those of us who followed Fred at NLHS. His appointment to the Naval Academy put an exclamation point on Fred’s commitment to excellence. R.I.P. Fred Clements!!