CHARLES JEROME CLEMENS, 92, longtime Wallace resident, passed away January 29, 2026, at Gothenburg Health.
Jerome was born June 18, 1933, in rural Wallace to Marion and Winifred Clemens. He attended school locally and graduated from Curtis.
On August 31, 1952, Jerome married Lyla “Pinky” Janiece Hebbert in Gordon, Nebraska. The couple lived in Wallace for several years before purchasing the Clemens family farm southeast of Grainton, where they both farmed and raised cattle. Over the years, Jerome and Pinky worked tirelessly to transform the property—clearing grounds, planting gardens, and tending trees and flowers that became a hallmark of the place. Jerome took pride in maintaining the beauty of the farm.
Jerome and Pinky were dedicated supporters of their children and grandchildren, faithfully attending activities and remaining strong supporters of Wallace athletics long after their own children had graduated. He also had a lifelong love of flying. Jerome was proud of his airplane, a Cessna 177, and was a member of the Flying Farmers, a passion he shared with Pinky. Together, they lived a life rooted in farming, ranching, and raising cattle.
Jerome was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Pinky, in 2015; and his two sisters, Donna Jean Rish and Beverly Thompson.
Survivors include his children, Linda Clemens of Hemingford; Scott (Cindy) Clemens of Dallas, Texas; Joan (Don) Barner of Wallace; and Kelly (Sonny) Smith of Wallace; eleven grandchildren, Jim (Jennifer) Pruitt, Brennan Jespersen, and Lisa Pruitt; Katelyn (Joe) Beeby, Aubrey (Jack) Caster, and Denis Clemens; JayDee (Jennifer) and Andy (Amanda) Barner; and Quenton (Molly) Smith, Jake Smith; and Dami Bandy from Flagler, Colorado, and Whitney (Heath) Wurst from Burwell, Nebraska; nineteen great-grandchildren, Alaska Barner, Vivian and Von Barner; Stella, Sam, and Henry Smith; Sawyer, Harper, Quinn, Nathan, Sutton, and Bridger Smith; Easton and Noah Wurst; Ellis and George Beeby; Karter, Jessie, and Kaleb Steverns; along with many other relatives and friends.
Memorials have been established in Jerome’s memory for later designation. Condolences may be shared at bullocklongfuneralhome.com, where the services will be streamed live.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, February 3rd, at 10:30 a.m. at the Wallace Methodist Church, with Pastor Shanon Williams officiating. Burial will follow in the Wallace Morning View Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Monday from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Bullock-Long Funeral Home in Grant.
Bullock-Long Funeral Home of Grant is in charge of arrangements.