Ernest L. Clawson, 88, of 287 Oakwood Dr., McConnelsville passed away Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at 5:22 p.m. at the Riverside Country Care Center in McConnelsville.

He was born June 3, 1923 in Deerfield Township, Morgan County to the late Edward Clawson and Esther Shoemaker Clawson. Ernest was an Army veteran of W.W. II having served in the Army Air Corp. and the National Guard. He retired from the Army Reserve. He also worked at Central Ohio Coal Company for many years. He was a member of the Malta United Methodist Church, life member of the V.F.W. Post #4713 of Malta and a 63 year member of the American Legion Post # 24 of McConnelsville. He was also a member of the Reserve Officer's Assoc., National Assoc. For Uniformed Services, and the Valley Lodge # 145 F. & A.M. of Malta. Ernest was a longtime supporter of the U.S.O., D.A.V., and the Wounded Warrior Project. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Mary Almendinger Clawson; four sons, Michael (Becky) Clawson of Malta, Ernest B. Clawson of Pennsville, Stephen (Becky) Clawson of Whitehall, Grover Clawson of Pennsville; 12 grandchildren; 11 great- grandchildren; two sisters, Wilma Waxler of Tucson, AZ, and Roberta (Darl) Campbell of Reynoldsburg; several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents he was preceeded in death by two sisters, Evelyn Sidwell and Mary Eppley; two brothers, Eldon and Pearly Clawson.

Calling hours will be Saturday, July 23, 2011 from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at the Miller-Huck Funeral Home in McConnelsville where a funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Bill Bentley officiating. The burial will be in McConnelsville Cemetery with military rites provided by the Morgan County veterans group.

Memorial contributions may be made to the U.S.O., D.A.V., or the Wounded Warrior Project. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.miller-huck.com