Raymond J. Clements was born October 23, 1928, in Philip, South Dakota, the son of Ernest and Elfreida (Meyers) Clements. He grew up on the family ranch and received his education in that area.

Following his school years, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served aboard the USS Norton Sound from 1951-1955. While in the military, Raymond met his future wife, Theresa Bennick. They were united in marriage on July 3, 1954 in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

After his honorable discharge from the Navy in 1955, Raymond and Theresa returned to their ranch in Philip, where he devoted many years to improving the quality of wool in sheep.

Raymond was very influential in the South Dakota Sheep Growers Association, where he served as President, 1st Vice President, awarded the Master Lamb Producer in 1981, and sponsored the Lamb Chop Open for many years.

Raymond was also very active in Wheeler-Brooks American Legion Post #173 of Philip, where he was the Post Commander for three years, District 9 Commander for two years, State Area Vice Commander for two years, and was awarded the District Legionnaire of the year on April 19, 2002.

Raymond was very active in many things, and went above and beyond his duty on anything he was involved in, whether it was fishing, working, or raising a family. He was a life-long member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip, where he was baptized and confirmed.

After retirement, Raymond was the Haakon County Weed Supervisor, on the Soil Conservation Board of Directors, and worked for the U.S. Postal Service. He also assisted Ron Millage at the boot shop.

Raymond enjoyed planting and harvesting his garden, fishing, and hunting.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife Theresa Clements of Philip; four sons, Raymond Jr. and his wife Barb of Pierre, Ernest Michael and his wife Debbie of Philip, Stephen and his wife Pam of Philip, and Charles and his wife Holly of Okaton; three daughters, Debra Reed and her husband Steve of Murdo, Rose Bennett and her husband Glen of Philip, and Val Schulz and her husband Karl of Philip; nineteen grandchildren; five step-grandchildren; one brother Carl Clements and his wife Dorothy of Rapid City; ; two sisters Helen Louison of Rapid City and Irene Fortune of Quinn; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Raymond was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Charles and John; and one sister Catherine Hawley.

Mass of Christian Burial for Raymond J. Clements, age 73, of Philip was held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 4, 2002 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip, with Father Tony Grossenburg officiating, and Father Michael Mertons assisting.

Visitation was held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 3, with a vigil service at 7:00 p.m. all at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Interment with military honors was in Masonic Cemetery.

A memorial is established to Haakon County Mini-Bus and the Philip Fire Department.

CELEBRANT
Father Tony Grossenburg

MUSIC
Marianne Frein – Organist
Vocalists
Sue and Merlin Bennett
"Our Father"
Lyndie Ireland - Joyce Wheeler
"One Day At A Time"

LECTOR
Lloyd Frein

USHERS
Jerry Neville - Eddie Arthur - Dale Lundgren

PALLBEARERS
Gary Nixon - Phil Carley
Mark Coleman - Bill Slovek
Steve McDaniel - Bill Gottselben

HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance

INTERMENT WITH MILITARY HONORS
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota
American Legion Post #173, Philip