02/18/2026
Ralph "Gene" Clement, 88, of Findlay, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 6, 2026, surrounded by his loving family at Birchaven Retirement Village in Findlay, Ohio. A native of Lawrence County, Ohio, Gene was born June 26, 1937, the son of the late Ralph and Clara (Hackworth) Clement.
Gene proudly served his country as a United States Air Force Veteran during the Korean War, a reflection of his deep sense of duty and commitment. Following his military service, he spent many years as an iron handler at Dayton Malleable, where he also served, for a time, as Union President, advocating passionately for his fellow workers. He later owned and operated his own construction business, where his strong work ethic, reliability, and pride in craftsmanship were evident to all who knew him.
Gene's faith was an important part of his life. He served as a deacon at Central Christian Church in Ironton, Ohio, and volunteered many hours supporting the church's food bank, quietly helping those in need and living out his belief in service to others.
Following retirement, Gene devoted countless hours to charitable and community efforts, often working alongside and in support of his wife, Dianne. His service included involvement with the Paramount Arts Center, Summer Motion, Friends of Ironton, United Way, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Tri-State, River Sweep, and his personal favorite, The Winter Wonderland of Lights at Ashland Central Park.
After Dianne retired, the two embraced a new chapter and set off on an adventure by moving to Houston, Texas, later spending time living in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Findlay, Ohio, enjoying new experiences while remaining close to family.
If you knew Gene, you knew his big booming voice, quick sense of humor, and love of making people laugh. He was a natural jokester who also enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, especially scratching lottery tickets and savoring just about any kind of ice cream.
Gene was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 44 years, Dianne Clement, who passed away in November 2021; his brothers Gordon Ray Clement and James Richard Clement; his sisters-in-law Glenna Tackett and Doris Williams; his brother-in-law, Dave Sutton; and his mother-in-law, Ester Branham.
Gene is survived by his two sons, Ken (Christi) Clement of Findlay, Ohio, and Kyle Clement of Pedro, Ohio. He was a proud and devoted grandfather to his granddaughter, Madison Clement of Findlay, Ohio, who brought him immense joy and held a very special place in his heart.
He is also survived by five siblings: Robert Clement of Kitts Hill, Ohio; Louis Sutton of Sarasota, Florida; Paul (Pam) Clement of Kitts Hill, Ohio; Judy (Larry) Cochran of Kitts Hill, Ohio; and Greg Clement of Ironton, Ohio; his brother-in-law, Lloyd (Ashley) Hall of Pikeville, Kentucky; Bob Williams of Ashland, Kentucky; Everett (Karen) Williams of Indian Creek, Kentucky; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Gene will be remembered for his steady presence, strong faith, leadership, humor, love of family, and quiet devotion to his community and country.
Visitation will be held on Friday, February 20, 2026, at Tracy Brammer-Monroe Funeral Home, 518 South 6th Street, Ironton, Ohio, from 5-7 p.m. A funeral service will also be held at Tracy Brammer-Monroe Funeral Home, Saturday, February 21, 2026, starting at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Woodland Cemetery. To offer the Clement family condolences, please visit: www.phillipsfuneralhome.net. To view the Life Tribute video, please click here: https://videos.lifetributes.com/1387874
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Central Christian Food Pantry, located at 1541 S. 7th Street, Ironton, Ohio or by visiting https://lawrencecounty.org/food-pantries/ for more information.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gene Clement, please visit our floral store.
