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John Clawson Obituary
May 15, 1944 – December 15, 2018
Resident of San Ramon
John Clawson, beloved husband, father, and friend, passed away peacefully on December 15, 2018. Born to Rev. Kenneth & Ruth Clawson in Duluth, MN, he founded Clawson Construction in Danville, California.
John played basketball at The University of Michigan, winning three Big-10 Championships and participating in two Final Fours. He won a gold medal in the 1968 Olympics before joining the Oakland Oaks, winning an ABA Championship.
John is survived by his wife of 50 years, Susan Clawson; son Matt (Michelle) Clawson of Danville, CA; daughter Katie (Shan) Foster of Sheridan, WY; seven grandchildren; sister Anne Koth of W. Des Moines, IA; and sister Jane (Bob) Hogan of Rutledge, GA.
A Celebration of Life will be held on January 12 at 1:30PM in the ARC Gymnasium at San Ramon Valley United Methodist Church in Alamo, 902 Danville Blvd, Alamo, CA 94507.
View the online memorial for John R. Clawson
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Memories and Condolences
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Jennifer stoner
November 4, 2025
John, I cannot believe I would have to read your obituary after years of not ever hearing from you or your sisters. Remember the time I stayed with you and family, of course, and we rode bikes all over Le Mars and made many trips to the library. Once aunt Ruth got pretty upset with us and she spanked both of us. I had Anne's bike as she was laid up with a cast on her right knee which kept poking out. Another time on a visit, this time Naperville and it was christmas and we were instructed to do the usual christmas scene. You had to read about the birth of christ but when it came time to read the passage, " and when it became time for her to be delivered...." you cracked up laughing and made us all laugh so hard. Guess a ba look from uncle Kenny sobered us up fast. That was about 1957 christmas. Did not see you again until I paid a visit to Ruth and Kenny in 1990. They called you and Sue over so we could meet. That was the time you referred to me as "that girl." That really rankled me! So sorry you are missing out on all the lively politics and affairs going on these days. Maybe we can meet up again some day. Cousin, jennie
James Williams, M.D.
November 2, 2025
John was a good guy. I only knew him at Naperville Community High School were he was the Redskins quarterback and star basketball player. I am sorry to hear that he has passed. I hope Sue is doing well.
Carol Anderson
November 3, 2019
John made the world a better place and was dearly loved. That is the best anyone can have said about another. He will be so missed!
June 27, 2019
I am so so so sorry - I am just beyond words. I send all my sympathy to my cousins, especially Ann and Jane. Lora Beseler
Frederick Beseler
June 27, 2019
Just learned of cousin John's passing! Shocked and so saddened by this. Sending heartfelt condolences to Susan and entire family. He was always a hero to me. I will always remember listening to the Detroit radio station that would fade in and out to hear the Michigan basketball games!
little clawson
April 23, 2019
we miss you gramps
January 27, 2019
Sue,
Condolences to you and your family. John was a special man. I considered it a great honor when John asked me to speak on his behave at his induction ceremony into the NCHS Sports Hall of Fame.
I pointed out in my remarks at that time, " It was just like John, choosing to be with his family at the birth of his grandchild, rather than attend a ceremony honoring him."
John loved his family above everything else.
Coach Bob Grove
Canton, Illinois
Sharyn Wehrli Behnke
January 20, 2019
Sue
Condolences to you and your loved ones. I am sure John's most successfull adventure was not on the court but how he lived his life. He was admired for that even in high school.
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