Kenneth “Kenny” Clawson, 56, returned to his heavenly home on November 18, after a courageous battle with liver cancer. His devotion to his family and firm belief in God supported him in his struggle and ultimately gave him peace. He will be missed by many people.
Kenny was born to Robert “Bob” and Patricia “Pat” Clawson, in Brookfield, Missouri on October 17, 1961. He graduated from Brookfield High School in 1980 and later attended Northeast Missouri State University where he completed a Technical Wood Program in 1982. After graduation, he moved to Kansas City to pursue a career as a union carpenter.
Kenny was a foreman for several years before entering the office at Eliason and Knuth (E&K) as an assistant production manager. He worked in production at E&K and Specialty Interior Services until 2009, when he and his partners founded Whitely Construction Company. He remained the vice-president of production at Whitley until his death.
Kenny was blessed with a loving family. He married the love of his life Cynthia “Deann” Ripley Clawson on June 12, 1982. They were married for over 35 cherished years. Together they built a life and raised two children. From the beginning, he taught them the value of kindness, hard work, and the importance of helping others. The joy of his life was spending time with his family and going on family trips. Their favorite destination was Treasure Island, Florida.
Kenny is survived by his wife, Deann Clawson of Buckner; his daughter Katie Clawson of Independence; his son Caleb Clawson of Lee’s Summit; his parents Bob and Pat Clawson of Brookfield; and his father-in-law Dorman Ripley of Brookfield. He is also survived by his sister, two brothers, four brother-in-laws, five sister-in-laws, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his mother-in-law Patricia Ripley and his maternal and paternal grandparents.
A visitation will be held at Speak’s funeral home on Tuesday, November 21 from 6-8 p.m. The funeral will be at Fort Osage Church of the Nazarene on November 22 at 1 p.m. with burial to follow the service at Salem Cemetery.