Keith William Clements

Keith Williams Clements was born on May 11, 1950- Mother’s Day-the third child to Virgil and Doris (Boggs) Clements, in Parsons, Kansas, where his dad farmed. His family moved to Haviland, Kansas when he was five, where he spent his childhood and teen years. His family belonged to the Friends Church in Haviland. Keith graduated from Friends Academy, as part of the last class the academy graduated before it closed. He went on to attend Friends Bible College in Haviland, Venard College in Iowa, and Emporia State University in Emporia, Kansas. After his college years, Keith worked in Quality Control at Cessna Fluid Power in Hutchinson, Kansas for thirteen years.

In January of 1973, Keith met Paula Sue Smith in Hutchinson. They married on September 15, 1973, also in Hutchinson. They have four children: Monica, Bradley, Anna and Christopher.

Keith decided to change careers while in his 30’s, necessitating a return to school. Keith attended Sterling College in Sterling, Kansas, graduating with his BS in May, 1983. He graduated from Wichita State University’s Physician’s Assistant program in May of 1987, after a lot of hard work and sacrifice. Keith practiced in Goessel, KS and Wolf Creek Nuclear Power Plant in Burlington, KS before moving to Tecumseh, NE in the fall of 1994. Keith worked alongside Dr. Keith Shuey, assisting with surgeries, office and emergency visits, as well as making rounds at the Johnson County Hospital and Belle Terrace. After training to administer chemotherapy, Keith took this responsibility in order to offer local treatment to patients who would have otherwise had to travel long distances for treatment. Keith was passionate about this responsibility, giving his full attention to each patient. Keith later obtained his Master’s Degree from the University of Nebraska, Omaha.

Keith was involved in a variety of church ministries during his lifetime. From commander of AWANA clubs at Sterling Evangelical Mennonite Church in Sterling, KS to Gideons International while in Goessel, to Sunday School teacher and serving on various church committees in Tecumseh, Keith allowed God to use him where he was needed.

Keith loved to collect interesting rocks, old pop bottles, vinyl records, coins and old magazines. He also loved making wine, roving the countryside for sand hill plums, gardening, especially in his later years, and he could often be found puttering around the vegetables. He also loved to play games with his kids and entire family. Anyone who knew Keith, knew he was a fantastic and imaginative storyteller, with a dry, quick wit.

One of Keith’s passions as he got older was playing the trombone. Having his old trombone from high school fixed up, Keith joined the Southeast Community Band in 1997. He loved the practices and the performances and was an active and enthusiastic member. For his 40th wedding anniversary, Keith received a new trombone, and he was very proud of it. He stopped playing about 4 years ago when Parkinson’s would no longer allow him to play.

In September of 2015, Keith was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. After being taken care of at home for quite some time by Paula, he entered Belle Terrace in October of 2019. His dementia made this transition easier, as this place was familiar to him. He usually did not realize he was a resident, and he spent many hours taking vitals, “assisting” the staff with nursing duties, and listening to other residents describe their ailments and concerns. When he could not sleep or sit still, he could be found checking on other residents. He passed away there on November 14, 2020 at the age of 70 years.

Keith was preceded in death by his parents, Virgil and Doris, as well as a granddaughter, Norah Jane Fehringer.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Paula of Tecumseh; daughter, Monica and husband Brian McKay of Tecumseh, KS; son, Bradley Clements and wife Heather of Tecumseh; daughter, Anna Fehringer and husband Benjamin of Wood River; and son Christopher Clements of Lincoln; grandchildren, Tyler (Brianna) Wollum, Ethan Clements, Ryan Wollum, Brady Clements, Jeremy Fehringer, Matthew Fehringer, Kaitlyn Clements, Kelvin Clements and AddyMae Clements, siblings, Carolyn (Leland) Fleming of Hutchinson, KS, Leon (Sharon) Clements of Rogers, AR and Kay (Morris) Smith of Haviland, KS and scores of cousins, nieces, nephews and in-laws.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 20, 2020 at the First Baptist Church in Tecumseh, Nebraska with Rev. Hugh Giesbrecht officiating. Organist, Cindy Moore, will accompany congregational hymns, “The Love Of God” “Be Still My Soul” and “Almighty God.”

Honorary pallbearers are Keith’s grandchildren.

Register book signing will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with family greeting friends from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, November 19, 2020 at the Wherry Mortuary in Tecumseh, Nebraska. Memorials in lieu of flowers, may go to the First Baptist Church.