William S. Clement

Family-Placed Obituary

WILLIAM S. CLEMENT William S. Clement, Omaha Beach Survivor and Advertising Executive. William Stoll Clement, retired advertising executive for the Southco Group died peacefully at home January 12, 2011. As a 1st Lieutenant, Clement made the D-Day invasion on Omaha Beach in Normandy, France on June 6, 1944 with the 116th Regiment of the 29th Infantry Division. After flying more than 356 combat missions as an air observer, he was awarded decorations including the Silver Star, Bronze Star, ten air medals, and a citation from the government of France. He went on to govern two German districts after the surrender of Nazi Germany. Born in Minneapolis, MN on September, 8, 1920, Mr. Clement graduated from St. Joseph's University (then College) in 1942. After having been discharged from military service, he joined a small company, a spin-off of the old South Chester Tube Company. He was the thirteenth employee on the payroll of Southco, Inc. The tiny company had such success that it grew into a multi million dollar enterprise with several plants in the US, as well as plants in Great Brittan, and China. He also served as Chairman for the Advertising Council of the Steel Founders' Society of America. He retired in 1987. Mr. Clement was a low-to-middle handicap golfer, credited with three holes-in-one. In retirement he developed a program known as "The Music of Broadway" which became a staple at Elderhostels, on cruise ships, at retirement communities, and in adult educational programs. He was considered a Historian on the subject of the Broadway Musical Theatre and the popular music of the period 1920-1980. Mr. Clement's book, A Few Soldiers, published in 2003, told of his war experiences and of the people he knew during his military service. A later book, 49 Seasons, was written chiefly as a chronicle to be passed on to his children and grandchildren. Most recently, a collection of humorous short stories entitled Thirteen Tales of South Florida was published. An experienced woodworker, Mr. Clement owned a well stocked woodshop where he turned out wood carvings and furniture. He was a resident of Lake Worth, FL, and spent the warmer months in Jennersville, PA. He was a member of the Business and Professional Advertising Association, the Edgmont Country Club, and the Church of the Sacred Heart in Oxford, PA Mr. Clement is survived by daughters, Ms. B. Elizabeth Matthews of Phoenixville, PA, Ms. Paula van Vliet of Boynton Beach, FL, Ms. Kelly Mingone of Springfield, PA; a son, William R. Clement of Safety Harbor, FL, and four grandchildren. To express condolences and/or make donations Visit PalmBeachPost.com/obituaries