Stanley Thomas Clements, of Downers Grove, IL, passed away peacefully on October 4, 2024, at the age of 94 at Arden Courts Memory Community.
Stanley, affectionately known as Stan, was born on December 27, 1929, in Willesden, England and was the eldest child of Thomas Stanley and Eileen (Healey) Clements. Stan was preceded in death by two brothers: Ernie (Betty) and Reg (Sheila). He is survived by his sister, Sheila (Robbie) Callister who lives in Spain and his brother, Paul (Lesley), who lives in Normal, IL.
Stan graduated as a Mechanical Engineer by serving in an apprenticeship program, which kept him busy going to classes and getting lots of on-the-job training. He also “relaxed” by playing Rugby and bicycling in England and France with his pals.
He attended a hiring event in London and was offered a job with Goss Printing Presses in the United States. He made the move to the US in 1967 and was joined by his wife Gene (Wilson) and two young daughters: Lois (Randy) Olson, and Gabi (John) Piotrowski. Lois and Gabi and his grandchildren and great grandchildren also survive him.
Stan joined Borg Warner where he worked for 22 years designing and testing automobile transmission components. He completed his working years with Bison Gear where he became involved with CAD systems – quite an experience for someone in his 60s to become proficient in this software.
Stan – also known as “Stan the Man” – was a kind and caring person, with a bit of humor coming out when least expected. He was devoted to his church and served in many capacities – from teaching Sunday School to Disciples classes, to chaperoning high school choir trips across the country, working the sound booth on Sundays, and serving as a Stephen’s Minister – using his Hospice volunteering experiences to work with church members that were facing issues. He was involved with Bridge Communities – mentoring a family and serving on the Church’s Bridge Board for many years.
His love of physical activities included being a cross-country running team member in the National Services when stationed in Malta, to tennis (where he courted his current wife, Marie (Lemperis Lales), and golf – which occupied a lot of his time, once he retired. He was also kept busy with camping, hiking, and traveling as well as a new activity added by Marie (his wife of 37 years) – bird watching. They spent time on many trips trying to find new birds to add to their life list.
Stan enjoyed Chess – having played it since his early years – and enjoyed his get-togethers with chess friends and playing internet chess with his nephew, Martin, who lived in England and was born with heart disease.
Stan was the loving stepfather of George Lales and Andrea (Tim) Radigan; devoted grandfather of Sky (Molly), Kira, Erin (Mina) Davidson, Cody, and Bailey; step grandfather of John (Alenka), Abbey, Erin, and Elise; great-grandfather to Jacob, Connor, and Mia.
Memorial Service will be held on Friday, October 25 at the First United Methodist Church, 1032 Maple Ave, Downers Grove, IL 60515. Memorial Visitation will be from 10:00am with a Celebration of Life beginning at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, donations to the First United Methodist Church of Downers Grove or the Alzheimer’s Association would be appreciated. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Cappetta’s West Suburban Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 4920 Main St. Downers Grove, IL 60515. For additional information please call 630-852-8000 or visit us at www.westsuburbanfh.com