Fred Clements

Frederick “Fred” John Clements lived a long, full, and deeply meaningful life—one shaped by hard work, devotion to family, and an adventurous spirit that stayed with him from childhood through his final days. His grit and tenacity helped him rise from his humble upbringing to become a pilot, a paper-industry leader, a beloved husband, supportive father, and a treasured grandfather. There is no doubt that he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

On July 23, 1939, Frederick and Lila Clements welcomed home their newborn son, Frederick John, in Muskegon, Michigan. His birth brought much happiness to the family home.

At 8 years old his family moved to Brethren Michigan. Fred grew up in the quiet rural stretches outside town, with his three sisters where life was simple, demanding, and formative. His mother kept the home running, and when Fred’s father took a job in Saginaw, much of the responsibility at home shifted onto Fred. These early years taught him resilience, independence, and a work ethic that would define him for decades to come. He believed deeply in hard work and in taking ownership of whatever you do—values he lived, modeled, and passed down.

As a boy, Fred learned early that if he wanted something, he had to earn it. He picked strawberries to buy his own clothes, a memory he later used to teach his grandchildren about money, choices, and self-reliance. He found joy in sports, running track (he was actually a State Track Star at Brethren) and staying active, and in the thrill of aviation. At the small municipal airport in Manistee, Fred learned to fly, sparking a lifelong love of airplanes and the freedom of the sky. He graduated from Brethren High School.

After high school, Fred married his first wife and had four sons. He began his career at Packaging Corporation of America (PCA), stepping into the paper industry where he would spend many years in management. His leadership carried him through roles with James River Stone Container and later as General Manager at Packaging Warehouse.

He also worked for a logistics company, certifying people for OSHA—another example of his steady, practical nature and his ability to teach, guide, and support others.

Fred’s commitment to service extended far beyond his professional life. He volunteered with the Highland Village Police Department, served as an usher at church, worked in forestry camp programs, and participated in disaster management efforts. He was a genuine and giving man—someone who always offered the best of what he had. If someone needed help, Fred showed up. If someone needed a hand, he extended his. He lived kindness in motion.

Fred’s life changed forever the day he met Diane at a barbecue at Gull Lake. Both had wandered over for more refreshments at the same moment, and that simple crossing of paths became the beginning of a 48-year love story. Diane’s mother wasn’t sure about Fred at first, especially since Fred came with four sons aged 10-16. But Diane knew her heart. Fred sent her roses in February after they met at a Western Michigan University ice hockey game, and soon after, he proposed. They were married on August 12, 1978, beginning a partnership built on love, devotion, humor, and unwavering loyalty.

When they moved to Dallas, Texas, they designed and built their own home from scratch—the first house on the block—and later added a pool. Fred loved being outdoors, tending roses, gardening, and hand-detailing his cars, often daily. He was known throughout the neighborhood as the go-to guy for tools; everyone knew they could borrow from the Clements garage.

Fred had what the family called “the gift of gab.” He could talk to anyone, anywhere, and make them feel instantly at ease. He loved cars deeply—not as a collector, but as a tinkerer and admirer. Over his lifetime, he owned or held title to more than 100 vehicles. He adored dogs, especially cocker spaniels, and was happiest outside, working in the yard, caring for his cars, building something, or playing with his dogs. He was a jack-of-all-trades, a true Mr. Fix-It, and someone who could solve almost any problem with his hands, his tools, or his ingenuity.

Fred and Diane traveled widely across the United States, savoring time together on the road. They visited Hawaii, Alaska, Maine, and national parks across the country. Their favorite place to go was Lake Quachita in Arkansas. Being on the water and being with family were always Fred’s favorite. They honeymooned at Glacier National Park, where Diane had worked two summers before they met. Fred had never driven mountain roads before that trip, but he embraced the challenge with his usual determination. The family’s timeshare trips to San Antonio became treasured memories, especially for the grandchildren who loved the pools and the time together.

Fred loved to grill, took his coffee dark, and cherished time spent with his closest friends—his “outlet” as he called them. He could strike up a conversation with anyone he met, whether in line at the store or walking the dog. Travel, talk, and connection were his natural rhythms.

Family was always at the center of Fred’s world. He cherished his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His “farm boy” habit of waking early stayed with him his entire life, often rising between 5 and 6 a.m. The grandkids remember being woken up with “Daylight in the swamp!” as he pulled open the blinds—they would groan and pull the covers up.

He found joy in even the smallest moments. During one visit, despite the difficulty of getting downstairs, he insisted on joining his great-grandsons in the basement to play “race cars.” Laughter ensued and a good time was had by all.

Later in life, Fred added “author” to his list of accomplishments. Alongside his neighbor, artist Gaye Kelly, and friend Mike, he co-wrote a children’s book titled Did You Ever Think a Frog Could Read? Credited as F.J. Clements, Fred crafted a story about a frog who loved the library—a whimsical tale that delighted grandchildren and readers far beyond Michigan. Fans as far away as Maine sent him thank-you notes, touched by the charm and imagination of his work.

Fred spent his final days at Rose Arbor in Kalamazoo, surrounded by the love and comfort of his family. Holding Diane’s hand, he passed peacefully on August 31, 2026.

He leaves behind a legacy built from grit, generosity, humor, and heart. He was a pilot, a storyteller, a mentor, a husband, a father, a grandfather, great grandfather and a man who never stopped showing up for the people he loved. His life lessons were simple and profound: be kind, work hard, travel, and talk to people. His life was rich with purpose, and his memory will continue to guide those who were blessed to share in his journey.

Frederick “Fred” Clements of Kalamazoo, age 87, died on August 31, 2026. He was born July 23, 1939, in Muskegon, MI to Lila and Frederick Clements. He was preceded in death by his parents, son Marc Clements, his granddaughter Kelsey Clements, his grandson Alex Schoendorf Clements.

Surviving are his wife, Diane Clements; children: Michael (Jodi) Clements, Brad (Brenda) Clements, Chadd (Colleen) Clements; grandchildren: Jenna (TC) Peters, Taylor (Steve) Sparks, Bailey (Zane) Gonzales, Bradley Clements, Tanner Clements (Lindsey Bennett), Logan McKee, McKenna Clements, Caleb Clements, Kennedy Clements; siblings: Janet (Daryl) Leckrone, Rosemary (Lorien) Adamski, Susan (Keith) Brown; many great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Please join us for a Life Story Visitation on Sunday September 13, 2026, at 12 noon at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900 where food, drinks, and stories can be shared.

Celebrate Fred’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Memorial contributions may be made to Muscular Dystrophy of Michigan in honor of Fred’s grandson, Alex who passed away in 2025.