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Bill Clements Obituary
Clements, whose belief that state government should operate like a big business helped change the face of Texas politics, died Sunday after what his family said was a brief stay at a Dallas-area hospital. Family members said Clements had been ill for several months and grieving the death of his son, who was shot and killed by a neighbor last year.
"It is somewhat fitting that he died Memorial Day weekend since he so appreciated the opportunities he had to serve his state and country," Clements' family said in a statement.
Clements served two terms as governor despite losing his first re-election bid. The Texas House honored him with a moment of silence Sunday on the chamber floor.
"As the father of the modern Texas Republican Party, Gov. Clements is responsible for the growth, success and election of Texas Republicans in every corner of our state," Texas Gov. Rick Perry said. "Today, Texans and Americans have lost a leader whose leadership, service and patriotism were unparalleled."
Clements, a Texas oilman, saw his first term in office as a major change in the way the state operated.
"It is the largest business in Texas and yet we run it like it was a soda water shed — or a barbecue stand," Clements said shortly before turning over the chief executive's job to Democrat Mark White, a lawyer and part-owner of a barbecue firm who upset Clements' re-election bid in 1982.
Clements came back four years later to defeat White as governor and served until 1991.
The politic beginnings for Clements include his heading of Richard Nixon's 1972 presidential campaign in Texas. He served as deputy secretary of defense for the U.S. Department of Defense from 1973 to 1977.
At the urging of his wife, Rita, a former national GOP committeewoman he called his "secret weapon," Clements decided to campaign for governor in 1978.
Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press
71 Entries
d. mcnew
December 14, 2015
I have something I would like to give the Clements family- free. Its an innauguration glass (champagne?) that I found in a thrift store in Temple, TX. Its nice and I thought it should go to a relative or somewhere in Austin. Contact me and I'll see that you get it.
June 3, 2011
So sorry for your loss.He was truly a great man.Texas and the nation was blessed by his leadership.[Leon and Gloria Cloud]
June 2, 2011
The Poindexter Descendants Association (PDA) and all the cousins Bill had amongst our members, send their deepest sympathies to the entire family. His legacy and family hertiage live on through you all.
Sincerely your cousin and PDA Immdiate Past President,
Robin Butler Daviet
Ron & Barb Napier
June 2, 2011
Our hearfelt sympathy to Rita and all of the Clements family. May God's love & peace bring you comfort.
How you can show support
Siobhan Gislimberti
June 2, 2011
We always knew that summer arrived in Taos, when the Governor and Rita came to dinner. Carlo always enjoyed playing golf with them and I enjoyed choosing the wine for him!!!! We have lost touch over the past few years since selling the restaurant, but we still have such fond memories of happy times. Our deepest condolences to Rita and the family.
Carlo and Siobhan Gislimberti
John Adams
June 2, 2011
John Adams son of Ewing Adams a personal friend to Bill Clements regrets the loss of a true servant to the State of Texas. Men like my father and Bill Clements were true statesman for the conservative values of our great state and now Gov. Rick Perry will carry the banner to protect those values Gov. Bill Clements started.
God Speed Bill Clements
John Adams
John S Miller
June 2, 2011
What a great Scoutmaster!!!
Charly Vaqrughese
June 2, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Charly Varughese
June 2, 2011
We remembering the great service that Mr. William Perry Clement Jr. and extending the heartfelt condolances to the beraved family . May God bless.
Charly Varughese, Houston, TX.
The Family of I. P. LaRue, Jr.
June 1, 2011
Some of our father's favorite memories were of Bill Clements, and he often spoke of the warmth and friendship of his old friend.
It is with great sorrow that we heard of the passing of Governor Clements and we offer our deepest sympathies to his family.
Judge John and Tina Peyton
June 1, 2011
Our condolences are extended to the family of Governor Clements. He was a true Texan and patriot. We will miss him greatly.
Cheryl Sheppard-Lewis
June 1, 2011
I met Gov. Clements in Houston back in 1978 during the thriving years of the oil and gas industry. Although short in stature, I have always thought of him as a "giant" in his time, and he undoubtedly will be remembered as such. He will be greatly missed.
June 1, 2011
The first election I ever voted in was in 1986 when I turned 18, my senior year in High School, and that was to re-elect Gov. Clements.
Will always remember casting that first vote ever for Gov. Clements and how excited I was to do so, as well as couldn't wait.
Condolences to family and loved ones who knew him best and most.
Thank you for your service to Texas Gov. Clements,
Michael Franks
Former SREC SD18
Clark Crabtree
June 1, 2011
I never got to Gov. Clements. I always had the greatest respect for him and what he did, and wish to extend my condolences to the family.
David H
June 1, 2011
May you rest in peace dear Governor, and may your memory be eternal.
John Vrla
June 1, 2011
RIP Governor Clements and your legacy will live on in Scouting. Thank you for all you did for Scouting and for your generosity. I will think of you each time I go to Clements Scout Ranch in Athens, TX. Thank you for sharing this gift with Circle Ten Council and it will be well taken care. Thank you for touching the lives of so many not only in Scouting, but in your private business and public service life as well. You're still my favorite Governor of all time and you represented the Great State of Texas with Honor and Dignity.
Ronnie Galyean
June 1, 2011
May God bless the Clements family. Thank you for sharing Mr. Clements with Texas.
Tami
June 1, 2011
My thoughts and prayers go out to The Clements Family. Bill was a strong leader for the State of Texas. He will be missed, may God bless him and his family and friends.
Robb Rough
June 1, 2011
It’s hard when a good man is lost. It’s doubly hard when there are so few. Bill Clements will be missed.
Joyce Reed
May 31, 2011
My condolences to the family of a great man, a common man, a legend of Texas, Gov. Bill Clements. While visiting the Hill County Court House in the late 80's the Gov. shook hands with my uncle Bill Clements and asked where did your descendants come from being they were from Kentucky, he responded saying "you are related to me then. This was the kind of man he was just as comfortable with the common man as with a dignatary. God Bless you Gov. Bill Clements. Joyce Clements Reed
Raquel Bermea
May 31, 2011
Mrs. Clements and family, May our Lord comfort and give you strength in the days to come. I had the privilege of meeting Gov. Clements, when I worked in the Dallas main office of SEDCO in the mid 80's, which was my first job and I look back on those years fondly. He leaveas behind a legacy worthy of a True Texan.
Your Neighbor
May 31, 2011
May the God of all comfort surround you with peace as you walk through this time of sorrow. Our prayers are with you. Ps 23:4
R. H. Goodrich
May 31, 2011
Our state and nation needs another Bill Clements. He was a strong leader.
Stephanie Ebert Adams
May 31, 2011
Bill Clements, who will forever be known as "The Guv" was the most outstanding, inspiring, dedicated and compassionate boss I have ever known. I will forever treasure my memories of working for him and Rita for almost six years and am so blessed to have been a part of his staff. He gave so very many young Republicans our start in politics... a wonderful teacher and mentor. He and Rita were a beautiful example of two united as one. I will always Luv the Guv and Rita too. May his family find comfort and strength from our Lord.
Denise Flores
May 31, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. I had the privilege of working in his first campaign for Governor, that experience I will forever cherish.
Roger Futrell
May 31, 2011
Mrs. Clements,
My family was honored to be dinner guests of you and the Governor when you visited Frankfort researching his Cammack family line. He was an amazing man! My son still speaks fondly of both of you.
Christy Bednar
May 31, 2011
What a wonderful man; he will be missed. We are especially grateful for his generosity to SMU-in-Taos, where he always kept the needs of the students at the top of his -- and everyone's -- list.
Randy Smith
May 31, 2011
Working for Sedco were the best years of our lives! Thanks for having a "family" for us to work for and contribute. We pray that your new family in heaven will be even better and your Sedco friends will be there to greet you. You blessed us so much. We all celebrate your life and wish the family peace.
Grace & Larry Fulton
May 31, 2011
I am so thankful for Governor and Mrs. Clements and their endowments to SMU. His bequests to SMU allowed my daughter the opportunity to study for a full Fall semester at SMU-in-Taos and receive what was a life changing experience. My husband and I feel richly blessed that our daughter, Elizabeth, was able to experience her anthropology coursework, archaeology field study, and environmental studies in the Taos setting because of her Clements scholarship.
Bill Melton
May 31, 2011
My condolences to Rita and the Family on Governor Clements' passing. He was a
hard-driving, dedicated leader who led our State with strength and compassion.
May God be with Governor Clements and the Family.
May 31, 2011
I offer my sincere condolences on the loss of your loved one. A life so richly lived is a life well spent. May your warm memories and the "God of all comfort" see you through this time of sadness.
Deepest Sympathy
Cleve Prince
May 31, 2011
Regret to read about Bill's passing, he was a friend to the Prince family.
Dedra Neely, Clark
May 31, 2011
I went to Bradfield Elementary School with his grand daughter Peg. She had a birth day party at the Governer's house one year. Such a lovely girl and such a lovely family. I am deeply sorry for your loss. Bless you all and take care. Dedra A. Neely Clark
Beverly Gillispie Osborn
May 31, 2011
My Father worked for Governor Clements at his Forney ranch for over 30 years. He was so good to my Dad and the whole family. Mr. Clement's and Rita are great examples of how people should lead their life and how to treat others. It was truly our blessing to have known the Clement's family.
May 31, 2011
I am sorry for the family's loss. May you find peace. (Matthew 5:5)
R Golay
May 30, 2011
To the the family of Bill Clements - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that he will be missed by many.
May 30, 2011
he was a great man
May 30, 2011
Not only was he a great Governor but a wonderful Dad. I first met him in 1959 at T.J. High. His children went there as I did. Bless him and his family.
Judy (Kidd) deVlugt, Sherman, texas
May 30, 2011
In 1981 Governor Clements came and toured the M.D.Anderson Cancer Center. My daughter Lenora Jenkins had just received a experimental bone marrow transplant and was in isolation. He stuck his head in to say hello and best wishes. She lived 21 more years.
Neice Heavin
Bethany and Margie and Jan Phillips
May 30, 2011
God bless you all durring this time. our sympathy goes out to all of you to.
Noel Ballatin
May 30, 2011
Bill Clements is in a much better world than this one. All of his suffering and anguish are gone forever, and he joins all of those who have preceded him. What better a person could you have than Bill to lead you all whenever you join him in his new world.
You really got your prayers answered and Bill is thankful.
May God Bless the Clements Family, and God Bless Bill Clements.
May 30, 2011
Our condolences to the family of Mr. Bill Clements. (Psalms 46:1) (John 17:3)
Reb Wayne
May 30, 2011
If Heaven needed a no-nonsense leader and CEO, he just arrived and is reporting for work. Our loss is Heaven's gain!
May 30, 2011
To the Clements family .. the country has lost a great patriot. May God Bless you all. Gov. & Mrs. Clements were very gracious to me and my husband in 1979 at the Southern Governor's Conference in New Orleans. I was involved in Dave Treen's gubernatorial election campaign and had questions about a project we were involved in regarding GOTV. Mrs. Clements overheard the conversation and brought her husband to me. The 2 of them explained how good this project was for his campaign. And, it was, in my opinion, the deciding factor in Treen's election.
Greta Jones
Charles Harry
May 30, 2011
Thank you for being you, regardless of the times around you. Your days in the Goldsmith Field made you want the reach higher and you did what it took to do it.
Chris Row
May 30, 2011
Kinda liked SMU football too!
Clare
May 30, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May the comfort God gives bring you comfort. ( Psalms 46:1,2)
Morris Woods
May 30, 2011
Thank you for all you did for Texas. You were not the average politician. You were a great leader. Congressman Barton told the story about how you financed your first campaign. Twelve one million dollar checks from your own account.
Victoria&Andrew
May 30, 2011
At Peace'
Our Condolences
to Bill Clements
May 30, 2011
When you were govenor, Texas stood on sound ground. For that time, I thank you. God bless you and your family.
Frances Wyrick
Bryan and Vickie Haynie
May 30, 2011
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
May 30, 2011
"Our heartfelt condolences to the Clements family. May the God of all comfort help you to endure at this time of grief. Read 2Cor1:3,4 (Al.)
Sherwood Blount
May 30, 2011
May you rest in peace my friend.
Hamptin Jinson
May 30, 2011
Governor Clements, My friends always said I looked like you and I always considered that a compliment and an honor. RIP Governor.
Henryk Zaleski
May 30, 2011
Rest in peace.
JoeBear Lakatos
May 30, 2011
thank you for your work keeping texas a great place to live. will have fond memories of you. god bless you and your family.
Jerry Beauchamp
May 29, 2011
Governor Clements was a true Texan and a hard worker. I served as a State Representative Bexar Co. Dist 119 under his leadership. His biggest success was the passing of the New Workers Compensation legislation. Five special sessions.
Mike & Sharon Millsap
May 29, 2011
Bill and Rita Clements will forever be names etched in our heart as giants of Texas history and friends that we were priviledged to know. We hope that Rita and the family will be sustained by the precious memories of this great Texan. We citizens of this state owe him a debt of gratitude for his service and dedication.
David Diaz
May 29, 2011
Gov. Clements signed into law - back in the late 1980s - the legislation that authorized the merger of then-Pan American University into the University of Texas System.
Words cannot adequately express the impact on the prestige, credibility and significantly increased value of the ensuing diplomas that included the association with the UT System. Tens of thousands of UT-Pan American graduates proudly point to that association with one of the premier public university systems in the nation.
Although I seriously doubt that Gov. Clements would have vetoed that bill, (there were some powerful detractors who opposed Pan American becoming part of the UT System), he more than endorsed the measure by signing it into law.
He went the extra step and headlined the public bill signing ceremony, thus putting his stamp of approval on what he knew was going to be a big, big deal for higher education in the Valley.
Thank you, Gov. Clements, and our condolences go to his beloved family.
Rick S
May 29, 2011
Thanks, Governor Clements, for all you did to keep Texas great! Your legacy will live forever, and you will be bright in the memories of all Texans.
Art Kelly
May 29, 2011
A true history maker, Governor Clements blazed many new trails in Texas. He will always be remembered for his strong leadership in making the state a better place.
Rose and Norm Granholm
May 29, 2011
Rest in peace Governor Clements.
Kermit Schlameus
May 29, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Bob Leezer
May 29, 2011
May you rest in peace Governor. Condolences to your family. We will always remember you.
John W
May 29, 2011
A true Texan and a real gentleman -
Thank you for your service and time to make Texas a little better for all Texans
john and cynthia adkins
May 29, 2011
Our deepest sympathy to the Clements family. Governor Clements was a great Texan.
Larry Pratt
May 29, 2011
A very sad day for Texas and Texans. Rest in Peace Governor.
Wayne Thorburn
May 29, 2011
Governor, you were a true pioneer who contributed greatly to the making of the Texas we know today. Moreover, you and Rita played essential roles in making the modern Republican Party of Texas.
Ron Spears
May 29, 2011
I was appointed to the first Texas Literacy Council by Governor Clements and found him to be an excellent example of a politician who was a true leader. He was, in every sense of the word, a true Texas Statesman. He will be missed, but he certainly made Texas better because he was here.
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