Archive Record
Images
Metadata
Object Name |
Recording, Audio |
Scope & Content |
Interview by Drew Skinner of Lester Stauffer Clemens (1921-2017) son of John C. & Susan Stauffer Clemens. Digital copy available. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Start time Subject 00:00:00 genealogical information 00:01:57 father's genealogy/bio 00:08:21 mother's genealogy/bio 00:12:51 grandparents 00:13:31 siblings 00:17:39 early home life/chores/games 00:23:09 illnesses 00:26:39 high school 00:28:14 religion 00:30:31 courtship/marriage/married life 00:37:25 church/church life 00:39:52 children 00:40:06 children rules/chores 00:41:21 joys/frustrations 00:42:23 on being a grandparent 00:43:53 on being a Senior Citizen 00:44:04 too soon old, too late smart 00:44:20 fulfilling activites 00:45:26 view on retirement 00:48:09 historical events/natural disasters 00:51:41 favorite President 00:54:40 what was better in the past than the present? 00:59:06 most significant achievement 01:00:59 end of audio |
Date |
1999 |
Object ID # |
2013.25.178 |
Length of Interview |
01:00:59 |
Manuscript Collection # |
z.Audio |
Notes |
Obituary: Lester S. Clemens, 95, of Sellersville, PA; formerly of Souderton, PA & Hatfield, PA transitioned to his eternal home on Monday, March 13, 2017 at The Community at Rockhill. He was the loving husband of Kathryn (Hockman) Clemens for 70 years. Lester was born in Mainland, PA to the late John C. Clemens and the late Susie (Stauffer) Clemens. He graduated from Towamencin School in Kulpsville, PA. Lester began working as a general laborer for Pleasant Valley Packing in Mainland, PA. He then served in the infantry for the United States Army during WWII in the European Theater. After the war, he returned home to work in the family business until it was destroyed by a fire in August 1946. In October 1946, he and his brothers, John S., Abe & Ezra purchased Hatfield Packing to continue the family business which was started by their father, John C. Clemens. Lester worked in all areas of the business from hog buying to eventually becoming the CEO until retiring in 1981. He was a charter member of Calvary Church where he served as an elder, a deacon and a Sunday school teacher. Lester was a member of the local Christian Business Men's Connection where he shared his faith story more than 100 times, led others to his Savior, and helped individuals grow in their faith. He was a former board of director for Biblical Seminary in Hatfield, PA, Narramore Christian Foundation of Rosemead, CA, Highland Lake Bible Conference of Highland Lake, NY, and Grand View Hospital in Sellersville, PA. Lester was the former chairman and board member of the Clemens Family Corporation, formerly known as "Hatfield Quality Meats". He was also a member of the Souderton - Harleysville Game, Fish and Forestry Association in Tylersport, PA. Lester was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather and loved spending time with family. He and his wife traveled to six continents to visit missionaries and ministries that they supported. Lester was an avid reader who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and watching sports. He often shared his wisdom with many individuals on financial, business, martial and spiritual issues. At Biblical Seminary in Hatfield, Lester received his honorary Doctorate of Divinity and the Missional chair was named in honor of him and his wife. He was also honored by the Chapel of the Four Chaplains of Philadelphia for his generosity. Lester was always driven by ethics and doing the right thing. He was extremely generous with his assets, his time, and his skills. Lester was a compassionate listener and enjoyed visiting shut-ins and people in the hospital. He was a practical joker, had a good sense of humor and was known to be a little stubborn at times. Lester always shared his faith with others and loved praying with them as well as for his family. He loved to ask people "Do you know Jesus?" In addition to his wife, Lester is survived by three sons, Gerald L. Clemens & wife, MaryAnne of Souderton, PA, Philip A. Clemens & wife, Linda of Souderton, PA, Stephen D. Clemens & wife, Christine of Minneapolis, MN; four grandsons, David J. Clemens & wife, Kara of Homer, AK, Bradley J. Clemens & wife, Traci of Salt Lake City, UT, Micah W. Clemens & wife, Andrea of Kabul, Afghanistan, Zachary B. Clemens of Minneapolis, MN; five granddaughters, Janine K. Shinn & husband, Scott of Souderton, PA, Julie Clemens of Souderton, PA, Beth College & husband, Paul of Spring City, PA, Karla J. Kane & husband, Michael of Telford, PA, Ruth C. Harris & husband, Brett of Shelby, NC; eighteen great-grandchildren – Jude, Eva, Leah, Shirley, Andres, Juan, Joel, Jason, Jessica, Jillian, Sylvia, Clyde, Seth, Blake, Tate, Toby, Ian, & Peter and a sister, Elizabeth "Betty" S. Bradford of Lansdale, PA. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by five sisters, Miriam S. Souder, Margaret S. Clemens, Susie S. Landes, Hannah S. Stettler and Mary C. Gross and seven brothers, Claude S., John S., Jacob S., Alpheus S., Samuel S., Abram S., and Ezra S. Clemens. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, March 19, 2017 at 4:00 pm PROMPT in the main auditorium at Calvary Church, 820 Souderton Road (Route 113), Souderton, Pennsylvania 18964 where friends may meet with the family from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm. Burial will take place at Calvary Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Calvary Church Benevolent Fund, 820 Souderton Road, Souderton, PA 18964 or The Community at Rockhill Benevolent Fund, 3250 State Road, Sellersville, PA 18960. Arrangements by: Anders-Detweiler Funeral Home & Crematory, 130 East Broad Street, Souderton, Pennsylvania 18964. |
Source |
Gift of S. Duane Kauffman |
People |
Clemens, Lester S., 1921-2017 |