Robert Lloyd Clements passed away on Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Grand Rapids Michigan.
Born in Grand Rapids in January of 1927 to Cecil and Vivian Clements, he lived a long and happy life of 95 years. Growing up during the Great Depression and coming of age during World War II taught Bob a deep sense of responsibility. He was a man of great integrity, reliability and commitment.


After graduating from South High School in 1944, Bob served in the Army during World War II, and at the Pentagon after the war. He then obtained his teaching degree from Aquinas College and later his Masters from University of Michigan.

Bob's first teaching job, in 1951, was in a one-room schoolhouse, Gove School in Cascade Township, where he began each morning by lighting the coal-fired stove. He moved on to Grand Rapids Public Schools as a teacher and later became a principal at several elementary schools, including Alger, Beckwith and Shawmut Hills among others. He was also an active participant in the teacher's union.

After his retirement he went on to work past the age of 80 as an auditor of the Kent Intermediate School District for the State of Michigan.

Bob learned to swim as a young lad at his grandfather's cottage. He continued to swim laps almost daily until his early 90s, both at Lake Michigan in the summer and at a community pool year-round. He also enjoyed woodworking and built tables and toys for his grandchildren. Summer meals at his home often included fresh produce from his tidy garden.

Family was everything to Bob and his wife, his true-love, Betty Jo Clements. They were married on June 2, 1951 and celebrated their 71st anniversary just 28 days before he passed. He inspired in his two sons and, in turn, his daughters-in-law and three granddaughters, a deep love for him, for his sense of humor, his calm and gentle temperament, his generosity, his wisdom and honorable character.

For many years during retirement, Bob and Betty could be found at a neighborhood restaurant enjoying breakfast every Saturday morning, together with their children and grandchildren. No holiday or birthday was ever forgotten and in fact these were celebrated with the entire family, in a big way, year after year.

Bob is survived by his dear wife of 71 years, Betty Jo; his son Robert Timothy and his wife Deborah, and his son Richard and his wife Sally; his granddaughter Darcie Clements; his granddaughter Lauren Clements; his granddaughter Sarah Henley and grandson-in-law Tanner Henley; and his niece Terri Brookman.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, his sisters Elaine Stonto and Cynthia Edinger, his nephews David and James Reynolds, and his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Richard and Marion Hough. Service Details. Online Memory & Photo Sharing Event Ongoing Online Event About this event In Loving Memory Of Robert Clements January 24, 1927 - June 30, 2022 Look inside to read what others have shared Family and friends are coming together online to create a special keepsake. Every memory left on the online obituary will be automatically included in this book. View Tribute Book