Kenneth Leo Clements

Kenneth L. Clements passed away peacefully on March 25, 2025, at the age of 91, surrounded by his loving family. His beloved wife of 63 years, Mary Ann, predeceased him just eight months ago. Born in Rushville, Nebraska to parents Leonard and Agnes Clements, Kenneth grew up in Nebraska and Chicago. His Catholic education included attending St. Rita’s High School, in Chicago. Following high school, Ken joined the Air Force. He served in the Korean War and was stationed in Japan. Upon completion of his military service, he used the GI Bill to attend Parks College of St. Louis University, in Missouri, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering. After graduation, Ken met Mary Ann. On June 3, 1961 the two were married. In 1962, shortly after marrying, they relocated to Tequesta, Florida, where they started their family that grew to include their three daughters Beth, Margaret and Theresa and their only son, Patrick. That also marked the time when Ken began a successful 30-year career at Pratt & Whitney, working in the Aircraft Military Engine Division. He worked on many programs including the T800 Helicopter Development Engine and F100-100, 200, 220 for the F16 & F15 fighter jets. His time working at Pratt & Whitney was filled with many memories of testing jet engines in the swamp of Jupiter with alligators and raccoons abounding. Ken went on to use his knowledge and experience investigating field engine incidents and supporting foreign military customers, traveling all over the world. Beyond his hard work and professional dedication, the love Ken had for his family was extraordinary. His Catholic faith was very important to him, including prayers at every meal and a daily devotional. He was a devout, active parishioner of St. Jude Catholic Church for many years. It was here where he inspired his children as a lector at Mass and served with the Knights of Columbus Council 6569. Ken was also an accomplished woodworker, making furniture in his spare time. In his retirement years, he enjoyed traveling with Mary Ann all across the United States, spending time in the kitchen baking banana bread and cookies and spending time with his adult kids, grandchildren, great grandchildren and his beloved dog, Suzy. He always had a funny joke to tell or a practical joke to play. His sense of humor will be terribly missed by his family. He loved telling stories of growing up in Nebraska and Chicago, his siblings and many Pratt & Whitney adventures. His gentle guidance taught his children, “You can do anything you set your mind to”. Ken is survived by his daughters, Theresa (Steve) Spindler; Elizabeth Garvey (Robert Rice); Margaret (Jon) Kachich and his son, Patrick; his grandchildren, Kristin (Cody) Malicott; Krista (Michael) Wunderlich; Kevin (Erika) Smith and Sara Clements; his grandson Trevor Clements (predeceased); his three great-grandchildren; Kellan Wunderlich; Heidi and Stephanie Smith; his nieces, Mary Snider, Moneen Rasmussen; and, his nephews, Joe Clements, Tom and Scott Tefft. We want to thank the Memory Care staff at Addington Place of Stuart for their love and support of our father during his stay there. Additionally, we would like to thank Treasure Coast Hospice for their care, keeping Dad comfortable during his final days. A Funeral Mass will be held on April 8, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at St Jude Catholic Church, in Tequesta. The Interment with Military Honors will follow at 2:30pm at South Florida National Cemetery, in Lake Worth. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation In Ken’s Memory to Treasure Coast Hospice, 1201 SE Indian Street, Stuart, FL 34997 (https://www.treasurehealth.org/292/Donate).

Kenneth Leo Clements

July 27, 1933 - March 25, 2025