Howard Eugene ‘Gene’ Clements

Howard Eugene “Gene” Clements, 94, of Burnet died Feb. 20, 2011. He was born Oct. 8, 1916, to Jake and Eula Clements,
After graduating from Burnet High School, he began working at Northington Funeral Home. He enlisted in the Army and received the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service during combat operations in World War II. During the years, he maintained friendships with his Texas Fighting 36th Division.
He graduated from the Dallas Institute of Mortuary Science in 1946 and began a 50-year career as a funeral director.
He worked at Northington Funeral Home and in 1949, he purchased the funeral home and named it Clements Funeral Home of Burnet. In 1970, he retired and sold his business, now Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home in Burnet.
After his retirement, he served as a Burnet County commissioner for more than 12 years. He also was a lifelong member and elder of the Burnet Presbyterian Church and proud member of Valley Lodge No. 175 A.F. & A.M. for more than 50 years, and Ben Hur Shrine in Austin.
Survivors include his wife of more than 28 years Kathryn; family Mary Gene and Dale Wepfer of Omaha, Neb., Pam Clements of Austin, sister Benita Neve of Lampasas, Stephen Baker of Austin, Byron and Kyla Baker of Houston, Glenda Baker of Houston, Curtis and Lara Baker of Pflugerville and Kevin and Denise Baker of Houston; grandchildren Stacy and Terry Torneten of Harlan, Iowa, Chris and Shaela Wepfer of Omaha, Cheyenne Baker and James Ridge of Kyle, Lauren Creeden of Fort Worth, Cole Baker, Beau and Terri Baker, Blake Baker and Roslyn Jones, Colin Baker and Cameron Baker, all of Austin, Kaylea Baker and Kainoa Kaaihili of Hawaii, Katie Baker of Nacogdoches, Travis Baker of Houston and Justin Baker of Biloxi, Miss.; great-grandchildren Eric Howard Torneten, Carly Torneten, Elizabeth Gene Wepfer, Cody Creeden, Grace Creeden and Paige Baker; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers; and first wife Mary Alice.
Visitation is 6-8 p.m. Feb. 23 at Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home, 306 Texas 29 East in Burnet, (512) 756-2222.
A service is 11 a.m. Feb. 24 at the funeral home with the Rev. Susan Liljestrand officiating. Military honors and a Masonic burial service will follow at Post Mountain Cemetery.
Pallbearers include grandsons Chris Wepfer, Terry Torneten, Beau Baker, Blake Baker, Cole Baker, Colin Baker, Cameron Baker, Travis Baker and Justin Baker. Honorary pallbearers include Bobby Owens, O’Dean Hammett, Grady Hammett and Jimmy Clements.
Memorials may be made to Burnet Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 126, Burnet, TX 78611 or to a charity of choice.
Online condolences can be shared at www.clementswilcox.com.