Millen Clawson

Millen Cowley Clawson

November 13, 1936 - August 1, 2025

Millen Cowley Clawson passed away peacefully in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on August 1, 2025, at the age of 88, after a prolonged illness with chronic pneumonia. A man full of life, heart, humor, optimism, and unwavering faith, Millen lived each day as an adventure and left a legacy of love, service, and strength.

Millen was born on November 13, 1936, in Billings, Montana, to Alden and Katherine (Cowley) Clawson. The second of three children, he grew up alongside his beloved siblings, Alden and Christeen. From a young age, Millen was curious, friendly, and full of energy-qualities that remained with him throughout his life. He also had an entrepreneurial spirit and a keen eye for opportunity. He especially loved spending time at the golf course, where he turned collecting stray golf balls into a side hustle-selling them back to their original owners.

He was deeply shaped by the example of his parents. His father, Alden, instilled in him the values of hard work, honesty, and integrity. His mother, Katherine, was kind, gentle, and a fierce advocate for her children. Their influence guided Millen throughout his life, especially in the kind of father he became.

Millen attended Granite High School in Salt Lake City, Utah, and played on the basketball team. He later graduated from the University of Utah with degrees in Economics and Finance. During his college years, he met the love of his life, Sharon (Bailey), and they were sealed in the Salt Lake City Temple. He went on to earn his Juris Doctor from the University of Wyoming, setting the foundation for a meaningful and accomplished career.

In 1968, after passing both the Colorado and Wyoming Bar Exams, Millen and Sharon moved to Colorado Springs, where he launched a distinguished legal career that would span more than five decades. He began as a general practitioner and, through dedication and integrity, became a prominent attorney specializing in Personal Injury and Workers' Compensation law. Known for championing the underdog, he built a reputation for compassion, fairness, and tireless advocacy, handling many high-profile cases throughout his career.

He was a founding or senior partner in several respected law firms, including Clawson & Pelton, Clawson & Southam, and Clawson, Potter & Gardner. Later in his career, Millen fulfilled a lifelong dream by practicing alongside his sons, Michael and Matthew, at Clawson & Clawson, where he served as "Of Counsel."

More than a skilled attorney, Millen will be remembered for the way he practiced law-with heart. His kindness toward others and steadfast commitment to justice were hallmarks of his work. He stood up for those who couldn't stand alone and treated each client with dignity and care.

Millen embraced life with open arms. He was a gifted athlete and an outdoor enthusiast. Whether water skiing, snow skiing, golfing with his sons and sons-in-law, playing racquetball and competitive tennis, running marathons, or working out at the YMCA, he found joy in movement and connection. He cherished time on the water at Lake Powell and Bear Lake with family and friends, and he had a deep love for travel-visiting all seven continents with Sharon. He loved cruising with his family, and their annual trips to Vail and Silverthorne, Colorado were among his most treasured memories.

Millen was a devoted disciple of Jesus Christ. He taught his children the importance of faith, love, hard work, education, and service-principles that continue to shape the lives of his posterity today.

His dedication to service defined much of his life. He held numerous leadership positions in both church and community: President of the Rustic Hills Lions Club, Vice President of the Toastmasters Club, President of the District 11 Board of Education, Army Reserve Veteran, Member of the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association, Elders Quorum President (1968-1973), Member of the High Council (1975-1980), Counselor in the Stake Presidency (1980-1988), Counselor in the Colorado Denver Mission Presidency (1988-1991), Bishop of the Colorado Springs 6th Ward (1991-1996), Stake President of the Colorado Springs East Stake (1996-2005), and Senior Missionary in the San Francisco, California Mission (2007-2008).

Millen was a survivor in every sense of the word. He overcame two serious car accidents, four battles with cancer, and multiple heart procedures requiring five stents. His resilience was matched only by his compassion and generosity. Millen had an extraordinary gift for making others feel special, seen, and loved. Whether through a thoughtful act, a quiet donation, or a kind word, he gave freely and often-always seeking to lift those around him. With a listening ear and a twinkle in his eye, he offered both wise counsel and playful humor.

Above all, Millen was dedicated to his family. He adored his cherished wife, Sharon, and together they raised seven remarkable children. No matter how full his schedule was, Millen made it a priority to show up-whether at a school performance, dance recital, or sporting event. His steady presence and support continued with his grandchildren, who always knew he was cheering them on.

His greatest joy came from being with the people he loved most-as a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

His advice was simple yet profound:

"Marry the right person. Love your wife or husband. Don't let the little things make you unhappy."

Millen's presence, faith, laughter, and love will be deeply missed but never forgotten. His life was one of purpose, service, joy, and legacy-a life well lived. He endured well.

Millen is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Alden. He is survived by his wife, Sharon Bailey Clawson; his sister, Christeen Pratt; and his children: Kim (Kurt Dean), Stephanie (Peter Anderson), Michael (Tara Mosbrucker), Matthew (Melinda Critchfield), Courteney (Dave Crandall), Lindsey (Jim Nye), and Brooke (Brian Moss). He is also survived by 32 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

A funeral will be held on Friday, August 29, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the LDS Chapel, 8710 Lexington Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80920, with a viewing that morning from 9:30-10:30 a.m. The burial will be at the Evergreen Cemetery at 1005 Hancock Expy, Colorado Springs, CO 80903.