Emmitt (Don) Clawson

Emmitt Donald (Don) Clawson

Don was born on February 9, 1935 in Gladewater, TX.   He died on February 5, 2021 at the age of 85, in La Verkin, UT at his home after battling cancer.  He married Donna Gene Hurst on November 24, 1955 in Reno, NV.  They were the proud parents of two children: David Donald Clawson (1956-2005) and IDonna Lisabeth Clawson Porritt (Budge) of Salt Lake City, UT.

He joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1965 and was sealed to his wife and family in the Los Angeles Temple in 1966.  He served in the St. George Temple in the baptistery for 14 years.

Don knew how to fix a lot of things.  His father was a plumber, and he helped his Dad with jobs as a kid.  He went to work in the mines when he was just 16 and eventually became a powder money, meaning he set off the dynamite.  He enjoyed that job, but his ears paid the price.  Dad was a diesel mechanic for many years in Virginia. He was a glass cutter for making windows and he installed irrigation systems for farmers all over Utah.  He also worked at Chums for several years.

Dad had two passions, fishing and scouting.  Dad worked in Scouting for over 40 years and received many awards, including Silver Beaver.  He even went to Philmont for training once.  He really enjoyed helping young men.

Dad was a “catch and release” fisherman, unless someone asked him to bring them some fish.  He shared fish with a lot of friends over the years.  Last July he went fishing with 3 of his great grandchildren.  Everyone had a good time.

Don was proceeded in death by his wife (2007), his son (2005), his parents, Ivan Burney Clawson (1964) and Ida Isabell Kauffman (1979), his twin brother, Ermitt Arnold (1937), and two sisters, Peggy Ruth Fox Deaver (1997) and Alma (William) Gaylor (1985), as well as grandparents and extended family members.

He is survived by his daughter IDonna and brother, Ivan (Audrey) Clawson of Redding, CA. as well as 13 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren and 9 great-great grandchildren.

Visitation service will be Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at 3pm, followed by a graveside service at the La Verkin City Cemetery.

We would like to express our gratitude to Jack Kellogg for his compassionate service to Dad during this long battle.  Also, we would like to thank Zion’s Way Hospice, especially Michelle and her team, for the service they provided to Dad and for helping to make his last days comfortable and allowing him to die with dignity.