Howard W. Clements, Jr.

Howard W. Clements Jr., 79 of Lafayette passed away unexpectedly on Friday June 16, 2023 at IU Health Arnett Hospital in Lafayette.  He was born November 2,1943 in Covington, KY to the late Howard W. Sr. and Lillian Cook Clements. He was a 1962 graduate of Lafayette Jefferson High School where he held a track and field sprint record for many years after graduation. He continued his education while attending Purdue University.  He served with the U.S. Army and was a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division, where he became an expert marksman, from 1963 to 1966.  On June 12,1971 in Clarks Hill, IN he married Carole J. McGinnis, and she survives.  Howard was a senior laboratory technician at Eli Lilly and Co. until he retired in Dec. 1993. After retirement, he drove buses for Twin Lakes School Corporation and Frontier School Corporation. Howard lived his life to the fullest. He was very proud of his family and loved them unconditionally. He did everything in his life with full force. His love for his savior, Jesus Christ, and for his wife, Carole never wavered. He loved to race anything with a motor. He drove motorcycles, ATVs, wave runners, go karts, mud bog trucks and drag racing cars. He was an avid bowler, a member of the Wildcat Valley Rifle and Pistol Club, and would always be up for a game of ping pong with his family. He was also a member of the American Legion. He served as a corrections pastor at Medaryville Correctional Center and was most recently involved with ministering every week to inmates at the Tippecanoe County Jail.  He was the author of his autobiography, “What Can Change a Man’s Heart” available on Amazon.

Howard is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years Carole, his children Claudia Wolfe of Denver, CO, Gary Clements of Denver, CO, Rachael Clements (Jay Bach) of Rochester, IN and Joel Clements (Maryam Bloomquist) of Lafayette. Grandchildren Garrett Wolfe of Washington, DC, Cameron Wolfe of Denver, CO, Samantha Maiden (Cade Baer) of Monticello, Tamra Maiden of Monticello, Paige Clements of Channahon, IL, and Lillian Clements of Indianapolis.  He was preceded in death by his two brothers Clyde Clements and David Clements. He was also preceded in death by his grandson Jason Clements.

The family will receive friends in the Faith East church sanctuary, 5526 IN-26, Lafayette from 11am until 1pm on Wednesday, June 21, 2023. Pastor Steve Viars will officiate the celebration of life services at 1pm. Burial with Military Rites will follow at Rest Haven Memorial Park in Lafayette. Guests are encouraged to wear cheerful colored clothing as we will be celebrating a life well lived.

Tippecanoe Funeral & Cremation Services is honored to assist the family with arrangements.