Col. Clarence Leroy (C.L) Coward, Jr. born October 3, 1922, passed away peacefully at his home in Tucson, AZ, on January 19, 2014. Born in his family's namesake, Coward, South Carolina, C.L. served his country for 40 years in the armed forces, starting as a Marine during the time of WWII. After the war he helped establish the first Air National Guard unit in Columbia, South Carolina, where he served as an aircraft mechanic before moving his family to Arizona in 1948 for his daughter's health. He also helped establish Arizona's original Air National Guard unit in Litchfield Park before the unit moved to its permanent base at Sky Harbor Airport. In 1956, he helped establish a new ANG unit in Tucson where he served as a non-commissioned officer before earning an opportunity to attend officer's training school. Upon graduation, he was commissioned from Mstr. Sergeant to Captain in 1958. He served in important leadership roles with the ANG, including commanding the 162nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, before being called into the Air Force to liaison between the Air Force and ANG units across the country. He is the recipient of multiple awards and medals, including receiving the Air Force Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service in 1965. In 1977, by order of the President, he was awarded the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal for his work at McClellan AFB. He earned the ranks of Major in 1962, Lt. Colonel in 1967, and Colonel in 1973. He retired with the rank of Colonel with full honors in 1982. C.L. is survived by Sybil, his lifelong love and wife of 71 years. C.L. and Sybil met when they were young children and have been inseparable ever since. He is also survived by his daughter, Clarice Schroeder; son-in-law, Norman Schroeder; his son, Michael Coward; his brother, Robert Coward; two grandsons and six and a half great-grandchildren. There will be a viewing on Saturday, January 25, 2014 from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at the EAST LAWN PALMS MORTUARY, followed by a private, family graveside service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Pima Air and Space Museum. The family wishes to thank Soulistic Hospice for their fine care.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by The Family.
As we remember CL, we have found comfort in knowing that he cared for family as A Good Man.
Bob Coward
Robert Coward
Family
January 17, 2022
Clarice and I have recently revisited times in our lives with her Dad, my Brother. Yes, he was a Good Man. Bob
Robert Coward
Family
January 16, 2020
I worked for C.L.in 1956 or 1957.(In the old hanger) He was a great guy to work for. I thought the world of him. He was a good man.My condolences.
William Ehinger
May 2, 2014
Rough outer exterior with an air of strength, but a warm and kind hearted interior that lent itself to great leadership as a Commander. To his family I offer my prayers and my condolences for your loss. For C.L.: Look up my Mom and Dad, I'm sure they have freshly made tamales waiting for you. Prayers and Blessings.
Ralph Lares
January 25, 2014
CL extended his hand to help many people during his life and carrier, as he did to me. Forever grateful. A man who had a distinguished carrier in the enlisted ranks and the officer ranks to a respected Commander of people. Proud to say I served with him. Rest in the peace of our Lord Jesus my friend.
Dennis and Linda
January 24, 2014
As my older Brother, he inspired me to succeed. Our Families have been blessed to have CL as a leading Sibling.
Bob Coward
January 24, 2014
Wonderful uncle. You will be missed
Susan Allen
January 24, 2014
Our sincere sympathy and prayers go out to Mike and all the family.
Bill & Carol Moody
January 23, 2014
He was all you want in a commander
Jack Voorhies
January 23, 2014
I was working in Supply in 1966 when C.L. offered me a job in Maintenance Admin. He gave me ONE HOUR to make up my mind, or he'd offer it to someone else. Well, I took C.L. up on his offer, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life. I thouroughly enjoyed working for C.L. even though he could be pretty tough at times. Take care C.L. and thanks again for picking me!
Terry Madden
January 22, 2014
Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results
Funeral services provided by:
East Lawn Palms Mortuary & Cemetery5801 East Grant Road, Tucson, AZ 85712
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more