Ted Clemens

1942 - 2017

Clemens, Ted
1942 - 2017
Ted Clemens, age 74, passed away on Monday, October 23, 2017. He was born in Columbus, OH on November 5, 1942, grew up in Clintonville, attended North High School and then Columbus College of Art and Design. Ted was the oldest child of the late Betty (Reid) and Sam Clemens and brother to Judy Murray, Vickie Geygan and Mark (Becky) Clemens. He and his wife, Kate Murphy Clemens, were married for 42-years. He is father to Tim (Tracy) Clemens, and Tamara (Kevin) Bartok, grandfather to Tessa (Joel) Goldsberry, Talon Clemens, Brookelyn Bartok, Tahnee Clemens, Dakota Bartok, and Taegan Clemens, great grandfather to Tucker and Tanner Goldsberry and uncle to numerous nieces and nephews. Ted marched to the beat of his own drum. He was athletic, creative, funny and strong willed. His career revolved around his creative talent including working at Lazarus for over 20 years on displays throughout the downtown store and designing the magical Christmas windows, Santa Land, and Import Fairs; he worked for several design firms as a consultant; and lead store planning and construction teams at The Limited, Abercrombie & Fitch and OfficeMax. During his 40 plus year career he had the opportunity to travel extensively and work with many great retail leaders, creative talents and suppliers – most of who are still his friends today. Despite his many career accomplishments, his greatest and favorite feats were Dad, Papa, and Uncle Ted to his extended and diverse family – followed closely by taking care of his beloved dogs. He lit up the room, made us laugh, taught us to drive, gave us good (and sometimes stern) advice, enthusiastically participated in our activities, and was the glue that held our family together. Golf was a reluctant passion once his hamstrings wouldn't allow him to play softball any longer. His softball and golf buddies will be telling those "good old Ted" stories for years to come! We are all stunned and heart broken that he had to leave us too soon, but as he always said "it is what it is".
Family will receive friends from 5-6 pm Thursday, November 2nd, 2017 at SCHOEDINGER WORTHINGTON CHAPEL, 6699 High St., Columbus, OH 43085 with a memorial service to follow at 6pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ted's memory may be made to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium to care for and feed the rhinos at: https://give.columbuszoo.org/commemorative-gifts.
Please visit www.schoedinger.com to express condolences.