Mr. Erlin Clement, Sr.

Repast Information: Tapestry Banquet hall Address: 24580 Evergreen Rd, Southfield, MI 48075 Obituary for Erlin Clement Sr. Departed us after 104 years and 6 months sharing his life with us. Erlin Clement was born to Adriana Graves and Norman L. Clement on February 8th, 1917, in Balboa, Panama. Erlin was the fourth out of seven children, Conrad, Hamble Selvyn, Darnley, Wilfred, Litchfield and Enid. Young Erlin was brilliant, as he excelled in science and mathematics. In 1936, he was awarded a scholarship to Howard University in Washington, DC for engineering. Erlin, however, turned the offer down and decided to pursue another skill in which he was gifted, carpentry. While working on the Matton Dam in Panama, Erlin met and married Rose Elaine Johnson in 1948. The young couple had their first child and named him Erlin Jr. In 1950, still in Panama, Erlin decided to bring his young family to the United States, in search of job opportunities. The couple settled in Detroit, Michigan where Erlin soon began working at Chevrolet-Detroit Gear and Axle, then the City of Detroit. Once settled in Detroit his family began to grow, Norman Jesse, John Lester, Walter Robert, Richard Carl and Charles Anthony were all born shortly thereafter. Erlin was a terrific father who was always eager to help his sons create, as he helped them make soapbox derby carts for competition. Whether it was as a woodworking teacher with Detroit Public Schools, or as a math tutor to neighborhood kids, Erlin always shared his knowledge with others. Education and the desire to never stop learning was something that he instilled in his sons. Erlin encouraged each of them to pursue higher education as each of their college diplomas are proudly displayed in his home to this very day. Erlin retired from the City of Detroit in 1977 as a Senior building inspector. He oversaw projects such as the Belle Isle Nature Center and other major infrastructure projects throughout the City of Detroit. Retirement did not slow Erlin down. He and wife Rose joined a travel group and they set out to explore every continent with the exception of Antarctica. Erlin also never stopped creating, as he holds two U.S. patents and founded Clemson Home modernization, building and renovating homes for clients. Erlin’s mantra was, if he could not buy it he would make it. He built things that made his sons happy, such as a kayak, radios, a wooden Jeep and an airplane. As a gift, he made each of his granddaughters a Tudor style dollhouse. Much later in life, Erlin could be found golfing, completing crossword puzzles or catching up on new inventions as a subscriber to Popular Mechanics and other scientific publications. His desire to never stop learning showed when he taught himself to play the piano at the age of 95. Before his departure, he was able to teach the latest generation of Clement’s the piano. There are even photos of each grandchild sitting on his lap playing the piano with him. Hopefully these photos will be a lasting memory of their beloved granddaddy. On Friday, August 20th, Erlin transitioned after 104 years and 6 months of a life well lived. Erlin will be remembered for his kindness, intelligence and wit. In his passing he will be joining his beloved wife Rose Elaine, his parents, siblings and beloved daughter in-law Linda. He leaves behind his six sons; Erlin Jr., Norman (Evelyn), John (Belinda), Walter (Saundra), Richard (Cynthia) and Charles(Linda). Elodis (Tony) Elam worked alongside Erlin for decades and is considered his 7th son. Twelve grandchildren; Norman (Jaye), Andenika (Anthony), Richard, Jelani (Charis), Robert, Raphael (Robyn), Shenita, Rose, Gabrielle, Alaina, Erlin Daniel and Carlito. Eleven great-grandchildren; Trina, Victoria, Zoe, Anthony, Ameena, Amaya, Heru, Alana, Ayanna, Jazzlyn and Noble. A quote he tried to follow: “Wherever you are; be noble. Whatever you do; do well. Whenever you speak; speak kindly. Bring joy wherever you dwell.”

Mr. Erlin Clement, Sr.

February 8, 1917 - August 20, 2021