March 15, 2020 - July 06, 2023
Marjorie Jean Clemens, born to Evelyn and Roy Stockton on September 24th, 1939, passed away March 15th, 2020 in Beaver Dam, Arizona. Frank LaVern Clemens, born to Eleanor and Frank Clemens Sr. on October 8th, 1937, passed away July 6th, 2023 in Spokane, Washington after a long battle with lung cancer. Frank and Marjorie were married on December 10th, 1956 in Spokane, and in the three years which followed, welcomed two children: Lenny Dee and Shelley Jean. During the 1960’s, the Clemens family was involved in stock car racing at the Spokane Speedway, and Frank spent many hours both behind the wheel and building cars. Marjorie and the kids, outfitted in their team shirts, happily cheered him on from the sidelines. Auto Racing soon gave way to boating, and many summers were spent at Deer Lake, Washington, water skiing, swimming, and fishing. In 1975, Frank accepted a position with Kaiser Aluminum in Ghana, West Africa. Having been a metallurgist with the company since his 20’s, he accepted the opportunity to expand his career and utilize his design and engineering skills. Marjorie was by his side and ready to take on the challenge of moving to Africa, as she had always wanted to travel. During their time in Ghana, she excelled in both golf (once winning the SwissAir tournament) and hospitality. Without television, phones, or even radio at their disposal, hosting dinner parties was a weekly event and form of entertainment. Marjorie was in her element, loving every minute as dearly as she loved people. Ocean fishing in the waters off the Ghanaian coast was also enjoyed quite often, though the local townspeople frequently brought fresh fish, shrimp, and even lobster right to their doorstep. Upon returning from Africa, Frank decided to take early retirement from Kaiser, though it was short lived. Within a couple of years he was back to work — this time in mechanical repair and building maintenance — which he would enjoy until his second retirement. His love for (and excellence in) building and fixing things would be one he carried throughout his entire life. Marjorie went on to work in food service at Roger’s High School. There she spent years building many friendships and doing what she loved most, socializing, until her own retirement. Once both had retired, Frank and Marjorie began wintering in Arizona to escape the long, snowy months in Spokane. They made many good friends where they settled in Beaver Dam, and spent their days golfing, socializing, and cheering on the Seahawks. Of course, Frank never missed a NASCAR season, either. Frank and Marjorie are survived by Frank’s sister, Debby Clemens, their daughter, Shelley Jean, son-in-law Jeffrey, four grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. They were preceded in death by their son, Lenny Dee. A memorial service for both Frank and Marjorie will be held September 9th at 11:30am, at Fairmount Memorial Park 5200 W. Wellesley Ave, Spokane, Wa.
Comments