Clemens "Clem" A. Kathman II

Clem graduated in 1937 with an A.D. in Education from Eastern New Mexico University and in 1940 with a B.A. in Journalism from Texas Tech University. He honorably served his country in World War II as a Staff Sgt in the Army National Guard 200th Coastal Artillery from 1941 to 1947, during which he was a survivor of the infamous Bataan Death March, a subject which he later wrote about in his autobiography, “I Was There, Charley.” Clem worked for 35 years at the Dallas Times Herald as a journalist and printer. He proudly belonged to various Masonic orders including the Scottish Rite and York Rite. During his 15 years of service to the Masons, he attained the highest degree of recognition, the 33rd Degree, and was awarded the Golden Trowel and Sam Houston Award.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Laverne Gensler Kathman; second wife, Mary Wilkinson Kathman; brother, William Lyle Kathman; sister, Nelda Lorene Russell; and his parents. Clem is survived by wife, Margaret Jenkins Kathman of Brenham, TX; children, Clemens A. “Korky” Kathman III and wife Sarah of Coppell, TX, Laura Gomes of Somerville, TX, Mary Jo Mason and husband Ron of Garland, TX and Phil Jenkins and wife Lisa of Gruene, TX; 11 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; sister, Vivian Katherine Jordan of Bowling Green, KY; cherished friends in and around Brenham; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be 6-8 PM, Friday, Nov. 25, 2011 and a Funeral Service will be 2:00pm, Saturday, Nov. 26, both at Sparkman/Crane Funeral Home in Dallas.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Scottish Rite Hospital (www.tsrhc.org ).