Edward T. Clements Jr., 90, of Festus died Nov. 19, 2025. Mr. Clements was raised on his family farm in Kentucky, where he developed a lifelong love of farming and raising cattle. He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1956 and advanced to senior airman first class while stationed in Germany. He served under Colonel Benjamin Davis Jr. and later became an advocate for the Tuskegee Airmen. Once returning to Kentucky, he attended college to study agriculture and left early due to a family illness, returning home to manage the family farm. He met his wife, Drenda, and moved to Dallas, Texas. After 14 years, they returned to St. Louis to be closer to family, eventually settling in Festus in 1978. He was a Christian and was known for making his presence known with a witty comment, a firm handshake, a gentle wave and nod or a salute when meeting fellow military servicemembers. He was considered a lively character who enjoyed traveling throughout Europe during his service and continued to travel across the U.S. and Canada. He worked at White Rodgers, where he retired as the night manager of the computer section. He later joined AutoZone for many years before retiring again, and eventually became a medical courier, traveling throughout regional Missouri. He loved watching the Dallas Cowboys and Kentucky basketball, spending time outdoors, caring for his home, dining out and enjoying retirement. He will be remembered as a thinker, an achiever and someone who enjoyed keeping busy. Born Sept. 10, 1935, in Kentucky, he was the son of the late Edward and Emily Clements.
He is survived by a sister: Sylvia Clements of Fort Lauderdale; his partner and friend of 62 years: Drenda Clements of Festus; a son: Gregory Clements of Festus; a daughter: Deirdre Clements of Festus; two grandchildren: Justin Clements and Brittany Clements, both of Festus; and three great-grandchildren: James, Jackson and Anastasia.
He was preceded in death by a sister: Mary Virginia.
Visitation is scheduled from 1 p.m. until a funeral service at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at Mahn Funeral Home, De Soto Chapel, 900 N. Main St. Burial with full military honors will be at 11:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 8, in the National Cemetery at Jefferson Barracks. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Arrangements are under the direction of Mahn Funeral Home.