[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 18 (Tuesday, January 28, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E73]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE LIFE OF GERALD ``TOM'' CLEMENS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. H. MORGAN GRIFFITH

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 28, 2025

  Mr. GRIFFITH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Gerald ``Tom'' Clemens, 
who passed away on December 26th at the age of 88. Mr. Clemens is 
remembered for his sophisticated legal background and as an 
overwhelmingly caring family member.
  Mr. Clemens was born in Prices Fork, Virginia, on March 20, 1936. 
After a childhood spent in Montgomery County, Mr. Clemens stayed close 
to home and attended Virginia Tech in Blacksburg for his undergraduate 
degree. While a student at Virginia Tech, he was an active member of 
the Corps of Cadets.
  Later, Mr. Clemens became a member of the U.S. Army and achieved the 
rank of Colonel. He then attended Washington and Lee University School 
of Law and received his Juris Doctor in 1960. In 1961, Mr. Clemens and 
his wife, Pat, moved to Salem, Virginia. Mr. Clemens joined a local law 
firm and continued his legal work for many years in the Roanoke Valley.
  The Virginia General Assembly recognized Mr. Clemens' legal 
excellence, appointing him to the General District Court and later to 
the 23rd Judicial Circuit Court bench. I practiced law in #ont of him 
in both courts. He was always a thoughtful and learned Judge.
  Once he retired from the bench in 1997, he practiced law with his 
son, Chris, at the Salem-based firm, Clemens and Clemens.
  My mother taught Mr. Clemens' son, Chris, in school. One of her class 
activities involved asking her students to bring in political campaign 
buttons for extra credit or show. Judge Clemens told me on several 
occasions that school assignment for Chris began his passion for 
collecting political memorabilia.
  Mr. Clemens was also very proud of his children and grandsons. He 
collected records of their achievements. Some of his grandsons have 
played water polo with my family and many others from Salem during the 
summer. Needless to say these experiences gave me a close-up look at 
Judge Tom Clemens and, Mr. Speaker, let me assure you he was a very 
fine man and a true southern gentleman. He set a high standard as an 
example for his family and all of us to strive to achieve.
  Mr. Clemens was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Clairmont 
Clemens; and his brother, Fred Clemens. He is survived by Pat, his 
cherished wife of 64 years; and children, Cindy (Marcy), Chris (Meg), 
and Charles (Whitney); four grandsons, Luca, Christopher, Will, and 
Grant; and his niece and nephews.
  Mr. Clemens was a respected lawyer and judge whose service to his 
clients and the Commonwealth was outstanding. His profound love for his 
family and community was evident to many. I thank Mr. Clemens for his 
friendship, and wish his family peace during this difficult time.

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