Dr. Willard Gilpin Clements 75, of Grove City, Liberty Township, Mercer County, died at 11:40 p.m. Tuesday at his residence following an extended illness.

Born in Pittsburgh, Oct. 16, 1932, he was the son of John C. Clements and Edith Forsmark Clements.

He married Dianne Elliott Robertson on June 24, 1992.

He was a Protestant.

Formerly of Wilkinsburg, Dr. Clements earned a bachelor's degree in bacteriology at the University of Pittsburgh in 1954 and a doctor of medical dentistry degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine in 1958.

As a captain in the Air Force, he practiced dentistry for two years at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma.

In 1960, Dr. Clements initiated his private practice in Grove City, serving patients in the tri-state area.

During the 1960s and 1970s, he participated in many civic and community activities. He was an adviser to the Grove City Chapter of DeMolay and was awarded the DeMolay Legion of Honor for professional achievement. He was a past master of Grove City Lodge 603 F&AM. For more than 40 years, he held a golf membership in the Grove City Country Club and served on its board of directors.

In 1981, he built the West Grove Centre and Select Dental Laboratory to facilitate his interest in promoting continuing education for area dentists and technicians. As a guest speaker to national organizations, dental schools and study clubs, Dr. Clements gave many presentations and participation courses throughout the United States and Canada. In 1988, he passed the Texas State Board Exam to earn his license to practice in Texas.

He maintained active memberships in many professional organizations, including the American and Pennsylvania Dental associations, the American Prosthodontic Society and the American Equilibration Society, in which he served as treasurer for 14 years. He was honored to be a Fellow of the American College of Dentists and the International College of Dentists.

Survivors include his wife, Dianne, of Grove City and her daughter, Ann Robertson of Pittsburgh; and two daughters: Laura Clements of Brewster, Mass., and her children, Katie and Sean Byrnes; and Jennifer Henry and her husband, James, of Grove City, and their daughters, Elena and Alexandra Henry. Also surviving are a sister, Dawn and her husband, William Harrison, of Marietta, Ga.; a brother Karl Clements of Greenville; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Dr. Clements will be remembered by family, friends and associates for his professional skills, his generosity and his great sense of humor and quick wit.

<B>CLEMENTS</B> — Arrangements for Dr. Willard Gilpin Clements, who died Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2008, were handled by the <B>Smith Funeral Home</B>, Village of Leesburg, Volant. There will be no calling hours or public memorial. A private committal service will be observed at a later time.Memorial contributions may be made to an animal rescue organization of the donor's choice or to the VNA Hospice of Western Pennsylvania, 154 Hindman Road, Butler, PA 16001.