Jack Clemens Obituary
Jack Douglas Clemens 3/2/1929 – 6/7/2024
Jack Douglas Clemens took flight from this world on June 7, 2024.
He was preceded in death by his father Fred Earl Clemens, His mother Eula Jane Calloway Clemens, brother Earl Clemens, sisters Florence Candler and Patricia Clemens Dacal, his first wife Mary Naomi Fawcett Clemens and Great Grandson Benjamin Walker Word.
He is survived by his wife Helen Marie Lynch Clemens, son Jack Douglas Clemens Jr. and daughter Lisa Leigh Clemens Word. Stepson Adam Pack and his wife Elizabeth Pack, Son in law James Walker Word III and daughter in law Patricia Jean Deck Clemens, Grandchildren, James Mathew Word, his partner Lindsey Kate Sopher, Stephen Douglas Word, Ashley Marie Clemens Linzy and Adam Lee Linzy. Great Grandchildren Andi Shay and Blakelee Jane Linzy. Brother-in-law Perfecto Dacal Jr. Many beloved nieces, nephews and multitudes of friends.
Jack was born in Lynch, Kentucky and grew up in the coal camp of Stotesbury, WV. Jack graduated Mark Twain High School in 1945. After serving in the Korean War, he attended Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Fla. Graduating with a commercial pilots’ license.
His greatest love in life was flying and working on airplanes. Clemens’ career as a pilot began when he soloed in 1947 and obtained his pilot’s license in 1948 and continued flying until recently. Over the years he constantly continued his education in Aviation, passing his last test in January of 2024 at the age of 94. Jack was the first pilot in WV to earn the distinguished Wright Brothers Award.
Jack formed many lifelong friendships through his love of aviation, taught and mentored many aspiring pilots throughout his life. Was a larger-than-life personality at the Raleigh County Airport as well as everywhere he went. Never knew a stranger.
Along with his parents, uncle and brother Jack helped build The Beckley Open Air Theater, West Virginias first Drive in Theater. He was the owner and operator of Jack’s Flying Service and Raleigh County Flight Service.
Jack was a devoted and loving husband to Helen and father to his children, grandchildren & great grandchildren. Also, he was very dedicated to his extended family and friends.
Pall Bearers: Jack Douglas Clemens Jr., Perfecto Dacal III, Gregory Dean Dacal, Adam Pack, James Walker Word III, James Matthew Word, Stephen Douglas Word
The visitation will be at Calfee Funeral Home on June the 12th from 6:00 – 9:00 pm.
Memorials or donations may be made to Bowers Hospice House, 454 Cranberry Dr., Beckley, WV 25801
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
800 S Oakwood Ave, Beckley, WV 25801
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