[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 200 (Wednesday, December 19, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1684]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN HONOR OF MR. RICHARD L. CLEMENS' LIFELONG COMMITMENT TO PUBLIC 
                                SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EMANUEL CLEAVER

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 19, 2018

  Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of a 
dedicated community leader and public servant of Missouri's Fifth 
Congressional District. In life, Mr. Richard L. Clemens demonstrated 
tremendous compassion, bravery, and selflessness through his commitment 
to family and civil service.
  Mr. Clemens was born to Ruby Weber Clemens and John R. ``Jack'' 
Clemens on April 4, 1945 in Marshall, Missouri. A former graduate of 
Marshall High School, Mr. Clemens would go on to receive a Bachelor of 
Science in Accounting from Missouri Valley College in 1967. Through his 
newly acquired degree, he would go on to serve as an auditor for the 
United States Department of Agriculture Inspector General, where 
shortly thereafter he would meet his wife and lifelong partner, Nellie. 
Born and raised in Marshall, Mr. Clemens was well-known to the people 
of his hometown as many were his friends, neighbors, and members of his 
congregation.
  When called upon, Mr. Clemens stood tall and proud to serve his 
country during the Vietnam War in 1968, and again in 1969. His service 
to our country didn't end there, as he continued to show pride and 
dedication to assisting his brothers in arms by serving as a member and 
officer of the American Legion Post No. 191 and as the Senior Vice-
Commander of the V.F.W. Post No. 2646.
  Mr. Clemens had many goals in life apart from serving our country and 
the people as an auditor. From 1975 to his retirement, he owned and 
operated Clemens Circle C Farm while holding various organizational and 
local governmental positions. His interests and determination led him 
to hold many positions such as Chairman of the Saline County Republican 
Central Committee, President of the Saline County Fair Board, and the 
Saline County Extension Council. Furthermore, his dream of serving his 
community in an elected position was fulfilled in 2016, when he was 
elected the Saline County Northern District Commissioner. These notable 
positions are only a few of the many roles Mr. Clemens has held within 
the community, yet they illustrate his unremitting passion and devotion 
for the people and community he represented.
  He is preceded in death by his parents and the love of his life, 
Nellie. He is survived by his two daughters, Anna Clemens Gass and 
Rebecca Clemens; his four grandchildren, Abigail, Vivian, Simeon, and 
Lilian; his brother, George Clemens; and his nieces, nephews, and 
cousins. Though he is dearly missed, his legacy of love, respect, and 
high esteem by his family, peers, and community remain. Mr. Clemens is 
revered for his impressive leadership, his lively personality, and 
commitment to his community.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me and all of Missouri's Fifth Congressional 
District in honoring the memory and life of Mr. Richard L. Clemens. His 
upstanding contributions and service to the Marshall community and our 
country are beyond worthy of this commemoration. It is with great 
respect that I urge all my colleagues and fellow citizens across the 
country to join me in showing our appreciation to Mr. Clemens and 
sending our deepest condolences for his family, friends, and community.

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