Charlie Clement

Father, Husband, Friend, and Saints Fan

Norbert Charlie Clement (US Air Force- Retired)  who went by his preferred name, Charlie, of Clearfield, Utah was born on December 19, 1946, to Nobert Clement and Heloise Oncale. He passed away on July 5, 2023, due to a valiant battle with a brief illness.  

He is preceded in death by his loving wife Barbara Clement, his parents,  J. Norbert Clement and Heloise Oncale (Granny), and his brothers Raymond and Larry.  They are sure to be having a Canjun cook-out right now.   He is also survived by his five boys; Scott, Kelly, Micah, Jeff, Matt, and his Grandchildren that he loved dearly.

He was born in Thibodaux, LA, and grew up doing things that you could only really do in Louisiana.  Many of these things had to do with swamps, crawfish, and fishing.  He loved his Louisiana roots. 

Along came the Vietnam War, which changed everything.  He was sent a draft notice from the US Army.  Instead of joining the army, he marched down and enlisted in the US Air Force. The war was very hard on him and he was saddled with PTSD, though most would never know of this silent burden.  

He met the love of his life at a dance, and they went on to get married.  Shortly after getting married on Flag Day, he had to go off to war.  Having a military life wasn’t easy.  Picking up his family and moving every few years meant having to start over with new friends and a new place, but he navigated it with ease, making lifelong friends wherever he went.  He was a social bug and loved meeting new people and making ties.  

He hurt his back trying to save a work truck from rolling down a hill, which left him with lingering back pain throughout his life. This was a challenge for him and greatly affected him in his later life. 

After serving in the military for years – having served in Utah, Hawaii, Washington State, and England – Charlie retired from the military and he and his family moved to Utah, where he went on to work a few jobs in the IRS and Utah Workforce Services.  But the job that he really loved was with the US Department of Agriculture.  He worked in mapping services  (this was before the internet) and would always bring home large satellite maps he would print off of different places and show them off.  If he found out where someone was from, he would get them a satellite map of the area. 

Charlie was devoted to his Church and God.  He joined the LDS church in his early 20’s after he came to Utah for the first time and his pastor told him to “avoid those Mormons”.  So he went around and found some missionaries and learned about the church and joined shortly after.  He loved serving in the church.  He loved the people, the church, and the work. He spent the rest of his life dedicated to it.  

One of his favorite things about the church was genealogy.  He loved researching, identifying, and learning about the family tree.  He could talk to you for hours. 

Charlie was the stalwart of our family and he worked hard to provide. Being on a small military salary and with having 5 boys, the family often didn’t have a lot, but he worked hard to make sure his family had enough.   He often did that by using his gift of getting a deal.  He loved negotiating a deal.  He loved being able to tell people that he got a deal on something and how he negotiated it. 

Charlie set an example in his service to others every day.  He was always worried about what was happening with others more than himself.  He was a great example of Christlike service and helping others.  Hearing stories of how his service has helped others over the years inspire each of us in the family.  We love hearing how he has helped and touched so many other lives.  These stories have helped the family heal as we grieve his tremendous loss.  

Those who knew him best love the thoughts of him reunited with his wonderful wife, hearing her true voice for the first time, and being able to run to her unimpeded by pain.  

Funeral services will be held Wednesday July 12, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 No. Fairfield Rd., Layton, Utah.  Friends may visit with family Tuesday July 11 from 6 to 8 p.m. and Wednesday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the mortuary prior to the service.

Interment, Lindquist’s Memorial Park at Layton.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you watch the Saints play football, donate backpacks to a local school for kids, or give to your local food bank.  Charlie and his wife loved stockpiling backpacks to give to needy kids whenever there was a drive and would often be found with stacks of Smith’s Gift Cards to give to the Bishop to help those in need in the ward.  

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