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Captain Eugene Matthew "(Gene)" Clemens U.S.N. (Re
1931 - 2021
BORN
1931
DIED
2021
FUNERAL HOME
Eugene Clemens Obituary
Captain Eugene (Gene) Matthew Clemens U.S.N. (Ret.) caught the number three wire, making a heavenly landing on March 12, 2021. Gene was the son of Matt and Eva Clemens, born September 1, 1931 in Madison, MN.
His childhood years were spent in Easton, MN, graduating from Wells High School in 1949. He attended St. Thomas University in St. Paul, MN for three years on a baseball scholarship before entering the Navy in 1952 and earning his wings in 1953.
He served his country for 32 years with various assignments included serving in Squadrons VA-95, VT-26, VF-11 & VA-174, commanding officer of VA-82, executive officer of the U.S.S. Franklin Delano Roosevelt, commanding officer of the U.S.S. Savannah and finishing his Navy career in 1984, serving as a staff officer with CNTFLT Fleet. He flew more than 100 combat missions over Vietnam and some of his commendations include a bronze star with combat "V", Air Medal (10), Defense Superior Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (4), Meritorious Service Medal (2), China Service Medal, Korean Service Medal and Vietnam Service Medal (2).
Upon his retirement in Atlantic Beach, he worked as a tax preparer with H&R Block for 25 years.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Sally, his children, Mike, Steve, Jeannie, John (Kim) and Mary Kay (Darrel), and six grandchildren, John, Jr. and Ben Clemens, Stephanie, Katherine (Jack), Danielle and Matthew Mathis.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Jimmy and his son, Mark.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 20, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. in St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 2400 Mayport Road, Atlantic Beach, where he was a charter member and active in the church for over 53 years. Interment will be at the Jacksonville National Cemetery at a later date.
Donations may be made to the Emergency Assistance Ministry of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, P.O. Box 330005, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233, the Jacksonville Humane Society (www.jaxhumane.org) or Friends of Jacksonville Animals (www.friendsofjaxanimals.com).
Please visit the online Tribute at www.quinn-shalz.com. Arrangements by…
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Eugene Clemens
Sponsored by Quinn-Shalz Funeral Home & Cremation Centre.
3 Entries
Jim Chamberlain
March 20, 2021
Thank you for inviting me to the virtual funeral mass. Gene was a good friend to me while we were in Mayport and aboard the Roosevelt. I know God will use his special talents in heaven
Janet Wiegmann, Tom Wiegmann and Shelley Mobley
March 18, 2021
We are blessed to have known the entire Clemens family for many years. Jeannie has been such a generous part of our lives and we send her our love and prayers. Gene lead a remarkable life of service to this country, his church, family and friends. We join with many others in celebrating his life on earth and his eternal life in heaven.
Tom Ross
March 17, 2021
Best ship' captain I with whom I ever served. I was Gene's navigator on USS Savannah in '77-'78. It was a pivotal time in my life, and I was truly blessed to have him as a mentor. He was a team builder, lead from the front, had a great sense of humor and his expectation of excellence lead his crew to never want to let him down. For those who spend a career in the military, you take in all the aspects that make a skipper great, hoping one day you'll get to demonstrate those qualities, too. Gene was the embodiment of those traits and values that you wanted to pass on to inspire and motivate your command. It was truly an honor to have known him. Thanks for sharing him with us, Sally. OK 3 sums up Gene's life perfectly.
Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, October 1977
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