Larry D. Clem

Larry D. Clem, 79, of Fountain, MI, passed away, Thursday, March 17, 2016 at Lakeland Regional Medical Center, St. Joseph. Friends may visit with the family from 4:00 until 6:30 P.M. Monday at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph.  Memorial donations may be made to the Clem Family.  Those wishing to sign Larry’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Larry was born December 23, 1936 in Berrien Springs to Ellsworth & Mildred (Stowell) Clem. He graduated from Berrien Springs High School in 1956 where he participated on the football and baseball teams, and the basketball team which went to the State Championship.  Larry served his country in the US Army.  On July 22, 1961 he married the former Barbara Ann Baxter in Holland, MI.  Larry owned & operated Larry Clem Distributing in Baroda for many years, retiring in 2004.  He was known as the “Little Debbie Man”.   Larry cherished the time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren.  He attended all of their sporting events.  He enjoyed football, baseball, hunting, fishing & bowling and was an all-around sports fanatic.  He rooted for the Chicago Cubs & the University of Michigan.      Larry is survived by his children, Vicki (Jr.) Benavidez of Baroda, Karol Maas of St. Joseph, Karon (Carey) Ross of St. Joseph, Michael Clem of Fort Collins, CO, Kathleen Clem of Baroda; 12 grandchildren, Cindy (Doug), Rob (Christina), Ashley (Vilath), Carey Jr., Taylor, Connor, Kayle, Tommy, Casey, Hailey, Alyssa, Reese; great-grandchildren, Eli, Archie, Clara, Elin, Maeve, Brooks, Kaylee, a great-grandson due in June; siblings, Cecile (Chuck) Crandell of Niles, Donald Clem of Irons, MI, Peggy (John Pawielski) Kolberg of Niles, Dale (Sharon) Clem of Marcellus, MI; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Larry was preceded by his parents; wife, Barbara on November 10, 2012; daughter, Linda Clem on November 14, 2010; and great-grandson, Camden.