Claine Olsen Clawson

“Claine died. Ford Taurus for sale.”
That is what he frequently suggested, with a grin on his face, should be published as his obituary. It is typical of his humor and his humility. Despite Claine not wanting anyone to make a big deal of his passing, we’ve chosen to write a bit more about the husband, father, grandfather and friend we all loved.

Claine Olsen Clawson, 87, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Monday August 14, 2023, at Maple Springs Assisted Living, where he had been a resident for three days while receiving hospice care.

Claine was born to parents Otto Peter Clawson and Ruth Irene Olsen Clawson on August 19, 1935, in Logan, Utah. His twin brother Clyde, born a few minutes after him, lived only three days. He grew up the youngest of six children. He had a very happy childhood, full of fond memories, based upon the stories he used to tell us about that time in his life.

When Claine was a young boy, he had an excellent singing voice. He was invited to sing for many church and social events in Cache Valley. He recorded at least one full length album as a young boy. Sadly, no known copies remain, the only family copy having been damaged while in storage.

During his growing up years, he worked on the family farm hauling hay and milking cows. He was also known for his dedication in caring for his mother, who had debilitating arthritis, and helping her take care of things around the house. He attended Lincoln Elementary School, South Cache High School, and Utah State University. Claine worked in the bookstore at South Cache High School and ran the movie projector at the Sparta Theater. He liked the sport of tennis and played it well. He participated in theater, and in one school play, “Grandma Lettie”, he had the lead part.

Claine loved reading the scriptures and the writings of modern-day prophets, apostles and religious scholars. He was known for his incredible knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ and his efforts to live according to gospel principles. As a result, he was sometimes referred to as “The 13th Apostle” as a young man. He served an LDS mission in the Central States Mission of the United States, where he labored in Dodge City and Kansas City, Kansas: Hannibal and Independence, Missouri. After he returned home from his mission, he joined the Utah National Guard and began his years of service with six months active-duty
training at Fort Ord in California.

On October 26, 1962, Claine married Zada Ann Jensen, daughter of Warren and Helen Jensen of Hyrum, in the Logan LDS Temple. They are parents of six children: Chad, Mark, Greg, Lisa, Paul, and Cami. He worked at the Driver License Division in Logan and at the Logan Library when it was located at First North and First East. Claine spent the bulk of his professional career employed in the office of E. A. Millers in Hyrum for 38 years until he retired.

Claine has been a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints his entire life. He served in several leadership positions in his Ward and Stake, including as Bishop of the Hyrum 1st Ward. He also served as an officiator in the Logan Utah Temple for eight and a half years. His children remember the countless hours he faithfully served in his church callings, as well as the unmatched example of honesty and integrity he displayed throughout his life. He was an incredible example to all who knew him.

Claine was preceded in death by his parents, Otto and Ruth Clawson, all six of his siblings: Grant Clawson, Reid Clawson, Ruth Chambers, Thora Bangerter, Dennis Clawson, and Clyde Clawson, as well as Colt Woodland, a great-grandson.
He is survived by his wife Zada Clawson, his children Chad & Shauna Clawson, Mark & Sony Clawson, Greg & Patti Clawson, Paul & Jen Clawson, Lisa & Mike Smith, and Cami & Justin Poole, along with 18 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held Monday August 21, 2023, at the Hyrum 1st Ward
Chapel at 12 Noon. A Visitation will take place prior to the service from 10-11:30
AM. Funeral services are under the direction of Allen-Hall Mortuary. Condolences and memories may be shared and expressed at www.allenmortuaries.com

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