About
Clement Graham Obituary
Publish in a newspaper
Clement started as a young man in the ministry, serving Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) churches in Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Oregon and Missouri. Upon retiring from the ministry, Clement began his second career as a teacher of philosophy and world religions for different colleges, including Crowder College, Drury University and Cox School of Nursing. He was an advocate for education, receiving a Master's Degree in Divinity from Phillips University Seminary and Counseling from the University of Oregon. Clement was teaching up to just a few weeks prior to his passing.
On September 4, 1965, Clement married Nancy J. Newby in Joplin, Missouri after an international courtship which began while Clement was doing an exchange year in Scotland, and was finalized via telegram proposal while Nancy was spending a year in Switzerland. Nancy survives and continues to live at home in Joplin. Clem was a guitarist and songwriter, and was well known among friends and family for the duets he and Nancy performed. He took up woodworking and watercolor painting after his initial retirement, even building a canoe of cedar strips.
To his union with Nancy were born two daughters, Jennifer Barber (Eric) of Joplin and Rebecca Nako'oka of Maui, Hawaii; grandchildren, Nora, Grace, Keelan, Kaitlyn and Kinley. Of his six siblings, he is survived by brothers, James Graham (Janelle), Ray Graham (Sherri) and Voyle Graham and sister, Joyce Lyle (Tom), and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.
Other than his parents, Clement is preceded in death by two brothers, Jerold and Harold Graham and a son in-law, Alika Nako'oka.
Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary, Joplin, Missouri. Memorial gifts can be made to Phillips Theological Seminary in Tulsa, OK, or in support of any school or church music program.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
1 Entry
Jeffrey Moore
September 24, 2025
I send my sincerest thoughts and prayers to Clem's family - he was an active part of First Christian Church in Wagoner, OK when I served there as Minister back from 1981-1983. He and his wife got me involved in summer camp, and were active participants in our church. I had lost track of Clem and Nancy, and to think here I am - in the same region as they are, serving the First Christian Church in Troy, MO. Many good memories of Clem and Nancy! God's blessings be upon them.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results
1502 S. Joplin Ave, Joplin, MO 64804
Make a Donation
in Clement Graham's name
People and places connected with Clement
Recent Obituaries
How to support Clement's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Clement Graham's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
