Stephen L. Clement passed away on May 4th, 2026 of pancreatic cancer. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, scientist, veteran, mentor, and friend whose life was defined by curiosity, service, humor, and enduring relationships. Over the course of eight decades, Steve built a life that stretched from California to Vietnam, Yellowstone, Ohio, Rome and ultimately Pullman, Washington, where he and his family built a lasting home and community.

Steve was born on August 25, 1944, in Ventura, California, to Edward and Eleanor Clement. He grew up in nearby Moorpark alongside his brother and cousins, spending his childhood playing baseball, riding bicycles, and participating in 4-H activities where he developed a passion for entomology. He was deeply influenced during his early life by the close relationship he had with his maternal grandparents.

He attended Santa Clara Catholic High School in Oxnard before enrolling at the University of California, Davis, where he majored in entomology. He earned his B.S. in 1967, followed by an M.S. in 1972 and a Ph.D. in 1976. Steve often reflected on the profound influence his teachers and professors had on the direction of his life and career.

In 1967 Steve was drafted into the United States Army and commissioned as a second lieutenant after completing Infantry Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia. He served in Vietnam with the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment as a scout platoon leader and executive officer. Steve was awarded Bronze Star Medals for Valor and Meritorious Service in ground combat, along with the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry Unit Citation and other military honors. He spoke openly about the profound impact the war had on him and remained deeply connected throughout his life to many of the men he served with, maintaining friendships shaped by the hardships and intensity of war.

After returning home from Vietnam, Steve resumed graduate studies while spending three summers working in Yellowstone National Park as a ranger-naturalist and campground ranger. Those summers became some of his happiest memories, and he often said it was “the best job I ever had.”

Following completion of his doctorate, Steve accepted a position as Assistant Professor of Entomology at The Ohio State University before joining the USDA Agricultural Research Service as a research entomologist and foreign explorer for biological control agents of invasive weeds. This work brought him to Rome, Italy, where he served as part of the Agricultural Mission at the U.S. Embassy. Rome became one of the defining chapters of his life. It was there that he married Mary Anne Lindeman and where they welcomed the birth of their son, Kevin.

In 1986, Steve accepted a position as a USDA Research Entomologist at Washington State University, where Pullman would remain his home for the next four decades. He also served as an adjunct faculty member at WSU and affiliate professor at the University of Idaho. Over a 38-year research career, Steve became internationally respected for his work on sustainable agricultural systems, biological control, and crop protection, collaborating with scientists around the world and earning numerous professional honors.

Despite his many accomplishments, Steve cared most deeply about people. Across every stage of his life, he formed lasting friendships through humor, loyalty, deep respect for others, and a strong sense of doing the right thing. Wherever he landed, Steve built communities around conversation, mentorship, and shared experiences.

Steve loved Pullman’s small-town atmosphere and the opportunities it offered for family and community life. He was deeply involved in Boy Scouts as an adult leader and spent many years volunteering at swim meets as a USA Swimming official while supporting Kevin and his friends through countless activities and competitions. Steve, Mary, and Kevin shared many memorable travels with close friends over the years, and their annual Fourth of July gatherings on Sunnyside Hill became cherished traditions.

In retirement, Steve remained intellectually engaged and socially active. He especially enjoyed meeting with a bi-weekly group of friends for spirited conversation, debate, and the occasional pint or two. He approached life with seriousness, wit, and a strong moral compass, balancing scientific rigor with deep care for the people around him.

Steve is survived by his loving wife Mary Anne; son Kevin Matthew (Yui); granddaughter Midori Anne; grandson Roy Sosuke; brother Ronald Clement; nephew Sky Ternahan-Clement; and treasured cousins and friends across the United States and abroad.

At Steve’s request no funeral service will be held. Interment will take place at a National Veterans’ Cemetery. 

Donations in Steve’s memory may be made to the Pullman Veterans Memorial Park.