HONORING THE LIFE OF GERALD "TOM" CLEMENS

HONORING THE LIFE OF GERALD "TOM" CLEMENS

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 18 (Tuesday, January 28, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 18 (Tuesday, January 28, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E73] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE OF GERALD ``TOM'' CLEMENS ______ HON. H. MORGAN GRIFFITH of virginia in the house of representatives Tuesday, January 28, 2025 Mr. GRIFFITH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Gerald ``Tom'' Clemens, who passed away on December 26th at the age of 88. Mr. Clemens is remembered for his sophisticated legal background and as an overwhelmingly caring family member. Mr. Clemens was born in Prices Fork, Virginia, on March 20, 1936. After a childhood spent in Montgomery County, Mr. Clemens stayed close to home and attended Virginia Tech in Blacksburg for his undergraduate degree. While a student at Virginia Tech, he was an active member of the Corps of Cadets. Later, Mr. Clemens became a member of the U.S. Army and achieved the rank of Colonel. He then attended Washington and Lee University School of Law and received his Juris Doctor in 1960. In 1961, Mr. Clemens and his wife, Pat, moved to Salem, Virginia. Mr. Clemens joined a local law firm and continued his legal work for many years in the Roanoke Valley. The Virginia General Assembly recognized Mr. Clemens' legal excellence, appointing him to the General District Court and later to the 23rd Judicial Circuit Court bench. I practiced law in #ont of him in both courts. He was always a thoughtful and learned Judge. Once he retired from the bench in 1997, he practiced law with his son, Chris, at the Salem-based firm, Clemens and Clemens. My mother taught Mr. Clemens' son, Chris, in school. One of her class activities involved asking her students to bring in political campaign buttons for extra credit or show. Judge Clemens told me on several occasions that school assignment for Chris began his passion for collecting political memorabilia. Mr. Clemens was also very proud of his children and grandsons. He collected records of their achievements. Some of his grandsons have played water polo with my family and many others from Salem during the summer. Needless to say these experiences gave me a close-up look at Judge Tom Clemens and, Mr. Speaker, let me assure you he was a very fine man and a true southern gentleman. He set a high standard as an example for his family and all of us to strive to achieve. Mr. Clemens was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Clairmont Clemens; and his brother, Fred Clemens. He is survived by Pat, his cherished wife of 64 years; and children, Cindy (Marcy), Chris (Meg), and Charles (Whitney); four grandsons, Luca, Christopher, Will, and Grant; and his niece and nephews. Mr. Clemens was a respected lawyer and judge whose service to his clients and the Commonwealth was outstanding. His profound love for his family and community was evident to many. I thank Mr. Clemens for his friendship, and wish his family peace during this difficult time. ____________________