Jack Ellis Clemons was born in Missouri City, Mo., on May 31, 1923 to Carl Clemons and Julia Chaney. He died at his home on January 16, 2021.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Carl Clemons and Julia Chaney; his siblings, Emma Jean Garner, Dorothy Hart, Lucille Baillie, Wanda Clemons, and Jimmy Clemons.

He is survived by his wife of sixty-eight years, Betty Clemons of the home, Kansas City, Mo.; his children, Gary (Shelli) Clemons of El Cajon, Calif.; Kim Piepmeier of Excelsior Springs, Mo.; Cathy (Tim) Logston of Excelsior Springs, Mo.; six gandchildren, Gregory Clemons, Jeffrey Clemons, Sarah (Wesley) Smothermon, Christopher Stark, John Logston, and Chad Logston; and nine great-grandchildren.

Jack never knew a stranger. For forty plus years he sold cars, but he was not just a car salesman; he was a car representative. “Lucky Jack” sold much more than cars – he sold his open personality. After retirement he still needed the interaction of people, so he became a delivery driver for Red Cross Pharmacy. He loved telling everyone that he was the local “drug runner”. He also enjoyed being a door greeter at the First United Methodist Church of Excelsior Springs, Mo., where he was a lifelong member.

Jack was always the life of the party and had a smile that could light up any room. He was a great storyteller and jokester. He would make up stories that could go on and on forever. He loved to entertain people. He had more joy than you have ever seen in any other human being. His favorite things to do were his Forest Gump imitation and to show people that he could still “run” at the age of 97. In his younger years, he and Betty enjoyed square dancing and traveling. They were avid cruisers and loved taking bus tours. Jack was known to family as Husband, Daddy, and Paw Paw. He was known to many as “Happy Jack” and to all as friend. He will never be forgotten.

Jack will lie in state from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 21, 2021, at Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, 217 W. Broadway St., Excelsior Springs, MO 64024. Graveside service will be at 1:00 p.m. at Crown Hill Cemetery. Pastor Laura Blevins will be officiating.

The family suggests memorial contributions be sent to Boys Town.