CLAWSON, James R.

Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, AZ - Published Saturday, December 17, 2011 - James R. Clawson, 83, passed away Dec. 12, 2011 in Lake Havasu City. He was born on October 8, 1928, in Delphi, Ind., to Glae and Lela (Nelson) Clawson. Mr. Clawson graduated from Delphi High School in 1946 and attended Indiana University while in military service. He married his late wife, Charlotte M. Ridgeway, Aug. 13, 1951, in Clarksville, Tenn. They were married for 47 years before her passing. He joined the Indiana State Guard then the National Guard before transitioning to the regular Army. He retired with the rank of Master Sergeant. He spent 11 years in overseas assignments and was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, senior Parachute and Glider Badges as well as 2 Bronze Stars, Air Medal, three Army Commendation Medals, Vietnamese Honor Medal, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry and several other awards and decorations. MSG Clawson joined the National Park service in 1978 and served in various positions at Olympic National Park for 15 years. He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Delphi and a life member of VFW Post 9401 in Lake Havasu City. MSG Clawson in survived by his wife, Ethel Meta-Kendall Clawson, of Lake Havasu City; daughters, Sandra Ternet, of La Otto, Ind., Brenda Roland, June Alberts and Toni Clawson, all of Olympic Peninsular, Wash.; 13 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Charlotte Clawson, his parents and a daughter, Robin L. Porter. MSG Clawson was cremated and his ashes were scattered at his favorite place. A memorial service will be at the VFW Post 9401 Jan. 21, 2012, at 1 p.m. The family would like to acknowledge and thank Hospice of Havasu for their kindness and support through James's illness. Thoughts, memories and condolences can be sent to the family at www.lakehavasumortuary.com. Arrangements are under the care of Lake Havasu Mortuary and Crematory.