Earl Wayne Clement

1937 - 2007

Earl Wayne Clement, a retired funeral home owner and Gainesville community leader, died Friday, June 1, 2007, in a Denton hospital.

Mass of Christian burial: 2 p.m. Monday at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Gainesville. The Rev. Pat Murphy, OSA, pastor of St. Mary's Catholic Church, will officiate. Rosary: 7 p.m. Sunday at Clement-Keel Funeral Home, followed by visitation. Burial: Fairview Cemetery, Gainesville.

Memorials: may be made to the Scottish Rite Children's Hospital or to the American Cancer Society.

Earl was born on Sept. 15, 1937, to Earvin Earl and Zelma Reeves Clement in Seymour. Earl married Patricia Gayle Moody in 1959. She preceded him in death. Earl married Margie Flusche Martin on Nov. 8, 1978, in Gainesville.

Earl came to Gainesville in 1970 for employment at Vernie Keel Funeral Home. Following the death of the owner, Vernie Keel, Earl became part owner and manager of the funeral home. He acquired full ownership in 1986 and later changed the name to Clement-Keel Funeral Home. He operated the funeral home until his retirement in 1997.

Survivors: His spouse, Marge Clement; daughter and son-in-law, Kim and Gary Otto of Haslet; sons and daughters-in-law, Kent Clement of Gainesville, Col. Chris Martin and wife, Carolyn of Argyle, David and Charlotte Martin of Waxahachie, Billy and Sheila Martin of Silverton, Ore. and Dale and Julie Martin of Lindsay; grandchildren, Laci, Zack and Chase Otto, Ryan, Nolan, Randy, Phillip, Kate, Sam, Pamela, Joe, Elizabeth, Garrett, Jullian and Alexa Martin; great-grandchild, Kobe Otto.