Ralph W. Clement passed away at the Gothenburg hospital, May 24, 1971. He was born August 10, 1911, in Lincoln County, the second eldest son of Oliver and Josephine Clement. He has two brothers and one sister; Morris of California, Erma Holbein (Mrs. Walter) of Eustis and Ben of North Platte.

August 29, 1935, he was married to Helen Russell of Farnam. They have two sons, Lt. Cmdr. Russell L. and wife Charlene, of Monterey, Calif., and Roderick D. and wife Sue, of Grand Island, Nebraska, and five grandchildren, Lee, Carrie, Andres, Carolyn and Julie.

In 1941, Ralph and Helen purchased the Perkins Mercantile and continued the grocery business. Ralph took great pride in his store and continuously made improvements to better serve his customers.

Ralph was very active in community affairs. He served on the town, school, and cemetery board. He was a charter member of the Farnam Lions Club, which was organized in 194l, a devoted member of the IOOF Men's Lodge and served faithfully in degree work of the Lodge.

He served as a Warden of the Episcopal Church, and also served as Lay Reader of the church. This church was of utmost importance to him.

In 1952 Governor Val Peterson made Ralph an Admiral in the Nebraska Navy. He was given this recognition for organizing the most Boy Scout troops in this area.

The loss of Ralph is felt keenly by his many friends and relatives. His devotion and warm personality has left many fond memories for all of us.