IN MEMORIAM: Pastor Ernest Clemens, 92;

Served In Several Upstate New York Churches

WEST EDMESTON – Funeral services were yesterday for Pastor Ernest Elwood Clemens, 92, who passed away on Nov. 9, 2016 at Chase Memorial Nursing Home in New Berlin.

Ernie was born on Sept. 22, 1924, in South Ilion,  the son of Roy William & Sarah Ruth (Alvord) Clemens.  His childhood was spent in the North Brookfield area.  He attended Waterville Central School & Cole Hill North Brookfield.  He was a graduate of Buffalo Bible Institute (now Houghton).

On Jan. 18, 1949, he married Elrena Pearl (Welch) Clemens, who predeceased him on Aug. 12, 2012.

Ernie was a self-employed carpenter, printer for Guardian Press doing printing for churches,  and volunteered with fire departments and other organizations.  He served with the Brookfield Historical Society.

He was also a minster serving at the Edinburg Baptist Church, DeQueen Baptist Church (Arkansas), the Brookfield/Leonardsville Seventh Day Baptist Church and the Columbus Quarter Baptist Church.  He also served as chaplain for the Civil Air Patrol.

He is survived by his daughter, Becky A. Thurman of Atlanta as well as five grandchildren and many precious great grandchildren and sisters; Doris Tyzick & Carol White.

He was predeceased by his son, David M. Clemens; daughter, Cynthia M. Merle and siblings; Ralph, Doris, Melva, Etta, Carol, Calvin & Eddy.

Services were Friday, Nov. 11, at the Dakin Funeral Home, LP, New Berlin, NY with Pastor Edward Whitehead of North Brookfield Church officiating.

The interment will be held in the Button Falls Cemetery of West Edmeston.