Jerry Leon Clem

Jerry Clem Obituary A celebration of life service to honor and remember Jerry Clem will be 1:00 p.m. Friday, February 16, 2024 in the Rivercrest Chapel & Event Center. Born June 11, 1941, in Shawnee, Oklahoma, Jerry Leon Clem was the son of Walter L. Clem, Sr. and Irene (Cannon) Clem. Jerry's early life would be spent in both California and in Tulsa, Oklahoma where he attended Central High School, graduating with the Class of 1959. Following high school, Jerry attended Oklahoma State University while taking occasional breaks from studies, with his band of cohorts, to go to California for jobs at Disneyland. They developed a reputation there because the guys from Oklahoma were personable with good work ethics. There, he claimed to have played the big, bad wolf although no one can confirm this tale. Jerry was an avid Poke's fan - always cheering on his Cowboys. He was also a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity where he made many lasting friendships with fellow brothers. Another band of brothers, Jerry served his country through the U.S. Army Reserves and would receive an honorable discharge. Jerry married Linda Parsons in 1966 and they celebrated 57 years together last July. They welcomed one daughter, Channing, and grandchildren: Codey and Hunter - who lovingly called Jerry, PyPy. Dedicated to his family and working hard to be a provider for all their needs, Jerry would find his niche in the construction industry. Cutting his teeth on design and build, Jerry worked for the renowned Hardesty Companies in Tulsa before going out on his own. He built residential and commercial in Tulsa before moving to DFW in 1989 where he built mainly industrial and commercial, including a Mary Kay Distribution Center, a shopping center on Long Island, NY and numerous La Quintas. The thing that sealed the deal for Jerry, with construction, was receiving glowing accolades from an employer for his sales performance for the year and being fired simultaneously for admitting to building his personal house on the side and stating that the next year his performance would be even better. This happened on the day he moved into the new house. He then had no choice, but to buckle down and make a go of it! Not only did he survive, but he thrived! If you asked Jerry what he did, he was quick to tell you he was an HAA... a half-assed architect! Jerry and Linda would complete many projects together through the years. He lovingly gave Linda the designation of HADD...a half-assed decorator/designer. There is no doubt that they were very good together both in business and in life. When he wasn't working, Jerry could be found fishing, camping or on a road trip with family and friends - the more the merrier. Their first trip as a married couple was a train/bus trip to Acapulco with 2 other couples. Most people flew to Acapulco but they were young, broke and determined. The family also took many snow skiing trips, in the beginning to New Mexico, leaving Tulsa Friday after work, driving all night, skiing Saturday and Sunday, driving all night to arrive Monday morning in time for school and work...again, young, broke, and determined. Then graduating to the pros (older, wiser and a little more money) the trips moved to Colorado via flying trips, ski bus trips and caravanning, accompanied by their daring band of friends. Jerry was happiest in a boat whether on a pond, river, lake, or ocean. His last trip was to Alaska fishing (one of many) with his grand kids, Codey & Hunter and their dad, Wes Johnston in August 2023, before becoming ill in September 2023. Later passions for Jerry included, cooking, raising chickens, gardening, tractor mowing their land and continuing to build houses for family every time he found a "perfect" building spot on their property. He created the "Clem Compound", his happy place. Very much a people person, Jerry had a great sense of humor, adventure and fun. This accomplished innumerable loving friends. He could be counted on for advice and help and never expected anything in return. Jerry passed from this life on February 5, 2024. He was 82. He is survived by a loving family including: wife, Linda; daughter, Channing Clem-Johnston; grandchildren: Codey and Hunter Johnston; brother, Walter "Larry" Clem, Jr.; mother-in-law, Susie Burke, sisters-in-law: Kaye Burke and Ann Smith and bonus daughter, Laurey Bundrick-West. He was preceded in death by: his parents: Walter L. Clem, Sr. and Irene (Cannon) Radcliff; siblings: Harold Clem, Sheila Thomason, and Kathy England; sister-in-law, Judy Berryhill; brother-in-law, Jimmy Parsons and by two fathers-in-law: Al Parsons and Dave Burke. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jerry Leon Clem, please visit our floral store. Read More

Jerry Leon Clem

June 11, 1941 - February 5, 2024