Delma Oran Clemons

Oran Clemons, father, grandfather, mentor and friend, 70 years of age, passed away on November 6, 2011 in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Oran was surrounded by his loving family, Cheryl Beer, Glen Clemons, Greg Clemons, Lisa Petruzzelli and dear friend Bobby Morales. We have all lost a good friend, mentor and eternal source of laughs with Oran's passing. Oran was born on November 25, 1940 in Minden Louisiana to Iva Mae and Delma Oran Clemons. Throughout his childhood, Oran and his family moved frequently throughout Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas to follow the teaching careers of his mother and father. Oran finally settled in Calvin, Oklahoma during the third grade. In Calvin, Oran was at the top of his class academically and excelled in basketball, a sport he dearly loved and in which he won the county championship in 1954 as the high scorer on the team. Oran also excelled academically in Calvin, where he served as the valedictorian of his junior high school. In 1955, Oran moved to the "big city" (his words) of El Reno, Oklahoma, where he played football and ran track. Although his football team made it to the state championship in both his junior and senior years, his real love was long distance running. During his senior year at El Reno High School, Oran won the state championship in the mile run and received a scholarship to Oklahoma Baptist University, located in Shawnee, Oklahoma. Academically, Oran finished in the top ten at El Reno High School. Oran worked for a time at the Rock Island Railroad and then joined the Army on January 26, 1962. Oran moved to Fort Devens in Ayer Massachusetts after basic training to learn Morse Code. As a result of Oran's hard work and dedication, he was rewarded with a trip to Turkey. During his time in Turkey, Oran and his Army buddies developed a bond and friendship that lasted a lifetime. Oran finished his Army career in Mineral Wells Texas at Fort Walters and was discharged on January 25, 1965, 10 years to the date before the birth of his second son, Greg Clemons, and 35 years to the date before the birth of his grandson (Glen's son), Shelton Ky Clemons. After his discharge from the Army, Oran moved to Oklahoma City and went to work with the United States Post Office. He resumed his college studies at Central State College. Oran received a Bachelor's degree in Economics from Central State College and then accepted a job at the U.S. Department of Labor, Wage Hour Division, in Oklahoma City. Following the birth of his sons (Glen in 1973 and Greg in 1975), Oran moved to Las Cruces with the U.S. Department of Labor. He retired in 1996 after 33 years of service. After "retirement", Oran began his new career as an expert witness serving law firms seeking wage and hour consultants. He enjoyed this work immensely and also grew a love for "playing" in the stock market. Oran coached soccer for more than 10 years and was known to his young players as "Coach." Oran was not only their leader, but also guided his players throughout their childhoods, forming a connection to his players that he held throughout his life. Oran somehow also found the time to referee soccer games, which kept him on the soccer fields continuously for greater than 10 years. Oran had a love of life, he was a friend and supporter to more people than we could begin to mention. Anyone who knew him was touched by his sense of humor, integrity, amazing wit, and love for his family. He will remain in our hearts forever, and will be missed more than words can express. PDF Printable Version