Obituary for William “Bill” Clemons

William Clemons

December 16, 1924 – March 16, 2020

Bill Clemons, long time resident of Ponca City went to his eternal home Monday, March 16, 2020 with his children at his side. He was born on December 16, 1924 to William and Mary Alice (Mason) Clemons and grew up in Yale. After being drafted into the Army, Bill married Mary Elizabeth Laffoon on November 10, 1944 while on leave. They cherished 73 years of marriage until her death in 2016. Bill’s service during WWII earned several decorations including the Good Conduct Medal and a Bronze Star. When he returned, Bill worked as a butcher at Miller’s Markets until 1976 and then at Mertz as a machine maintenance mechanic until he retired. His retirement was spent helping family with whatever they might need or want!

Bill trusted the Lord Jesus Christ and showed his faith by the example he set. He was a kind, gentle, and trustworthy man who was grateful for everything he had, especially his family. Bill enjoyed being involved in their lives whether it was teaching them his favorite hobby of “drownin’ a minnow” out at the lake or going to livestock shows or sports events to cheer or having a listening ear or making a rocking horse and doll cradle for Christmas. His answer was always yes if the grands would say “Pa would you…?” During good weather you could find Bill out fishing or working in his garden and helping Mary “put up” their abundance which they always shared. Family gatherings were a very special time to go to Nan and Pa’s where the horseshoe posts and the badminton net and whatever outdoor game could be enjoyed was set up. He always made everyone feel right at home.

Survivors include his daughter, Mary Jane Clemons of Ponca City and son, Richard and wife, Victoria Clemons of Ponca City, 10 grandchildren: Sabrina and Jim Blaser of Lamont, OK, Andy and Dustie Jobe of Bixby, OK, Trudy and Aaron Presley of Ponca City, Toby Sheets of Ponca City, Troy Sheets of Newkirk, Roem and Amber Baur of San Francisco, CA, Jennifer Clemons of Manteca, CA, Rick and Cindy Clemons of Chattanooga TN, Derek Clemons of Austin, TX, and Allison and Joshua Newport of Ponca City as well as 18 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

A graveside ceremony will be held on Monday, March 23, 2020 at 10:00am at the Longwood Cemetery with Pastor Ken Newport officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home & Crematory.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Second Baptist Church, 1112 W. Grand Ave., Ponca City, OK 74601.

Source: Trout Funeral Home