Robert Edward “Bob” Clawson, age 92, of Brookfield, Missouri, passed away at Boone Hospital in Columbia, MO, surrounded by his loving family on August 8, 2025.
Bob was born on July 22, 1933, to Vahl and Oweda Clawson at home south of Laclede, Missouri. Bob was the ninth of sixteen children. On April 14, 1957, he married the love of his life, Patricia Ann “Pat” Schaefer. Together they built their life in Brookfield, Missouri.
Bobbie walked the first four years to Burch Country School followed by fifth and sixth grade at North Side Elementary and seventh and eighth grade at New Adams. He graduated from Brookfield High School in the class of 1952. In high school, he played football and wore the number 36.
He enlisted in the army in 1953. Bob was a rifleman and qualified parachutist. He was assigned to the B Company of the famous 503rd Airborne Infantry Regiment as a paratrooper. He was discharged October 15, 1955. Bob participated in the Central Missouri Honor Flight in 2019.
Bob had various jobs: running his own hay crews, fireman for the railroad, and worked at Missouri Power & Light. In the 60’s, Bob and Pat purchased their first semi-truck hauling grain and in 1966 leased to Huston Truckline hauling Moorman feed to western states, bringing grain and lumber back. Throughout the years, they added to their fleet and business. They sold tires, batteries, truck parts, alternator rebuilding, truck building as well as offering rental in their storage buildings. In recent years, they sold the business to their son, Jim and wife Audra.
Bob loved trucks! He was featured on the cover of “Wheels of Time” national magazine with his restored 1919 White stake truck. He had many old trucks, tractors, and cars and showed his trucks in many truck shows. Bob and Pat were honored to be called the Dream Team in The Great American Race driving a ’38 Kenworth across the United States. They were a part of this race for two different years.
An ardent sports fan, Bob followed the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, Missouri Tigers, and the Brookfield Bulldogs. Bob was a Mason and Shriner, belonged to the YMCA, VFW, Elks, and American Legion.
Bob is survived by his children: Doug (Anna Mae) Clawson of Sturgeon, MO; Cindy (Scott) Clark of Keytesville, MO; Jim (Audra) Clawson of Brookfield, MO; and daughter-in-law Deann Clawson of Blue Springs, MO. His legacy lives on in his grandchildren: Jennifer (James) Bratton, Janice (Daric Denney) Clawson, Katie Clawson, Caleb Clawson, Ryan (Brianne) Clark, Zachary (Shelby) Clark, Kyle Clawson, and Paige Clawson; great grandchildren: Margot Clark, Eliza Clark, and Brandt Denney. He is also survived by his brothers: Jerry Clawson, Lauderdale by the Sea, FL; Dick (Trudy) Clawson, Brookfield, MO; and Ronnie (Julie) Clawson, Warrensburg, MO; sister-in-laws Mary Clawson, Sand Point, ID; and Ann Clawson, O’Fallon, MO; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his son, Kenneth (Kenny) Joseph Clawson; grandson, Patrick Edward Clawson; parents, Vahl and Oweda Clawson; brothers and sisters, Luzenia Mae Arthaud, Arlene June Clawson, Ira Lee Clawson, twins Mervil and Myrtle Clawson, Neva Louise Wombwell, Hazel Marie Doss, Billie Joe Clawson, Doris Ann Borron, Roy Harvey Clawson, Judith Kay Tate, and Donald Dale Clawson.
Visitation will be held Friday, August 15, 5:00-7:00 pm, at Trinity United Methodist Church, Brookfield, MO. Services will be held Saturday, August 16, at 11:00 am. at Trinity United Methodist Church with Pastor Jim Fitzgerald and Pastor Lee Porch officiating with burial following at Parklawn Cemetery with Full US Military Honors. Arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Rhodes Funeral Home, Brookfield, MO.
Memorial Contributions may be made to North Central Missouri YMCA, Brookfield Senior Center, or Brookfield Athletic Booster Club and can be left at or mailed to Rhodes Funeral Home, 216 Linn St., Brookfield, MO 64628. Online condolences can be made at www.rhodesfh.com
Source: KMZU, The Farm
