Donald G Clawson

Donald Gary Clawson, age 90, passed away on Friday, January 24, 2025, at the Emporia Presbyterian Manor.

Don was born on August 20, 1935, in Emporia to Harry Donald and Ann Marguerite (Kirchoff) Clawson. He attended grade school at the Twin Mound rural school, west of Hartford and graduated from Hartford High School in the Class of 1952.

Don was born to be a great farmer. He was a very hard worker and was devoted to his land and animals with his father and brother Bob. He loved raising cattle and pigs,and especially enjoyed working on and repairing his and his Uncle Elmer’s machinery. When he wasn’t farming in the late 50’s and early 60’s, Don drove the tank truck for Clawson Oil Co. and later for 4-J Oil Co. delivering fuel to area farmers.

He was drafted into the army in the mid 50’s and was trained as a radio repair specialist. He spent a year in Germany and traveled extensively in Europe during his tour. He thoroughly enjoyed his time in the Army and attained the rank of Sergeant.

Don told the story about an officer walking into the repair lab in Germany and asking Don his name and home. Don replied and the officer said, “Don from now on, we’ll call you “farm boy”. This officer later became an internationally known, 4-star general.

Don was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Robert. He is survived by his long-time friend, Diane Schwindt, rural Hartford, and his Kansas cousins: Bill Clawson, Leawood, Jo Sweatt, Desoto, and Ginny Chapman, Shawnee. Although Don had no children of his own, he was kind, supportive and loving to the children of the extended Clawson family and to his dear friend Diane. A private graveside service at the Evergreen Cemetery south of Emporia will be held at a future date.