Charles Clement

Redmond, Oregon Early in the morning of Feb. 6, 2017 our father, friend, and former Captain in the 11 Airborne hooked up his static line and took his last jump to be reunited with the love of his life, Mary Elizabeth, his wife of 58 years who proceeded him in death in 2006. Charles was born in Danville, Ark in 1920 to Oscar Lee and Lavinia Littlejohn Clement. In 1921, his father relocated the family to Thurston, OR where they farmed for many years. He attended school in Thurston where he graduated at age 16 and starred on Thurston High Schools first basketball team. In 1997 he and his teammates were inducted into the Thurston High School Sports Hall of Fame. Following high school, he worked on farms and attended the University of Oregon. After joining the National Guard while in college, he was immediately called up at the outbreak of WWII. After receiving training for Jungle Warfare in Panama, and graduating from Mountain Climbing Leadership School with the 14 Infantry Regiment and the 71 Light Mountain Division, he volunteered for Airborne Training. In 1944 he was sent to New Guinea as a replacement 1 Lieutenant with the 511 Regiment of the11 Airborne Division. Charles made 3 combat jumps in the Philippine Islands. As Platoon Leader of Company B he participated in the liberation of the civilian prisoner of war camp in Los Banos, just days before the Japanese Army planned to execute them. He recalled the assault occurred on his 25 birthday, and was amazed at how well the complicated mission was carried out. After his extensive combat experience, he was very reluctant to talk about the war. It was only in his later years his children learned of his citations and medals for leadership and bravery. He was always perplexed by the political mechanisms of government, especially the propensity of men who had never served in combat to rush young men and women into harms way. Following his discharge in 1946, Charles returned to the Eugene area where he worked as a truck driver and became a journeyman carpenter. He also worked in bridge construction and helped with the family walnut and hazelnut farm. He continued his education at the University of Oregon, and in 1947 was introduced to a young auburn haired school teacher, Mary E. Barber of Culver OR, who captured his heart. They were married in August of 1948. Charles built a small house on property his father had given him in Thurston, and he and Mary welcomed their 4 children into the world. Having completed his college degree and receiving his teaching certificate he accepted his first high school teaching position in Crow OR, where he taught math, science and woodshop. In 1959 the family moved to Hillsboro, OR where he continued teaching math and woodshop classes. In 1964, growing tired of the rainy winters and be closer to Marys parents in Culver, he moved his family to Redmond . He taught math at Redmond High School, serving for several years as head of the math department, and as union negotiator for the teachers association. In 1965 he acquired his property near Cline Falls west of Redmond. There he rebuilt an abandoned farm house into the home they lived in while ranching, gardening, and enjoying the mountain views. He remained an avid supporter of the sports teams of his alma mater, the University of Oregon. Charles is survived by his children, Anne Clement Church of Beaverton, OR, Charles W. Clement (Tricia), Shoreline, WA, Marcia Nelson (Tom) Redmond, OR and Gordon Clement, Kent, WA, grandchildren Valerie Morris, Rachel & Alex Clement, Brian (Tutu), Brad (Jenny) & Lauren Nelson; 7 great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and his beloved dog Willie. Dad enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, music and the arts. His family and friends will miss his sharp intellect, thoughtful counsel and wry sense of humor. In his memory, please lead with love and kindness. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, April 29 at the Juniper Golf Course in Redmond at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Redmond Community Concert Association which offers an Artist Outreach Program and music scholarships for youth in Redmond Schools, and opportunities for 4-H clubs to provide community service and raise funds.. Funeral Home: Redmond Memorial Chapel 717 SW 6th Street Redmond, OR US 97756

Charles Clement

February 23, 1920 - February 6, 2017