John G. "Jack" Clawson

John G. “Jack” Clawson, 90, of Bonita Springs, Florida, passed away peacefully on May 31, 2018 surrounded by his loving family. Jack was preceded in death by his dear wife, Cherie. Jack was born on February 19, 1928, in Seattle, Washington, son to the late James and Leora (Gibbs) Clawson. After retiring as President and CEO of Hill-Rom in Batesville, Indiana, Jack and Cherie settled in Bonita Springs in 1992. Jack was always a hard worker, starting at a young age working at his grandfather Gibb’s farm in Arimo, Idaho and working at a shipyard in Seattle during his high school years. He served in the Army from 1945-1947 in Japan. He served as a volunteer church missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Copenhagen for three years ending in 1950. Shortly after, Jack graduated from Brigham Young University in 1953, then received an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1955. During his career, Jack held various President and CEO positions, including President of Thonet Manufacturing Corporation (1968) and DeSoto Furniture (1973). In 1976, he moved to Batesville, Indiana taking the position of COO then quickly became President of Hill-Rom Company, a division of Hillenbrand Industries. He helped lead Hill-Rom to significant growth to become a global leader in hospital beds and a true leader in health care, transforming the way patients and care were connected. He also led a culture that engaged customers and associates in a manner rarely seen. He retired in 1993. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, he was an active, devoted follower of Jesus Christ. He spent much of his time and resources to help and serve others. He served as a Missionary, Branch President, Bishop, Stake President, High Priest Group Leader, and numerous other callings. He was a significant leader in helping build the congregation in Southeast Indiana (Batesville). Jack loved poetry and could recite many poems by memory. He loved sports, particularly tennis, back yard basketball games, and “Home Run” – his own made up softball game. Most importantly in his life, Jack was devoted to his wife and family. Jack married his sweetheart, Cherie, on June 11, 1953 in the Logan, Utah temple. More than anything else, he was a dedicated husband and father, cherishing and supporting his wonderful wife in all her travel, his and her service to others, and other endeavors. He was an amazing and always supportive father and grandfather. Jack and Cherie were a positive influence and example to many others that they touched. They raised 7 wonderful children, who are remarkably successful in their families, careers, and service to others. Jack is survived by his loving children, Carla Clawson Hoffman (Buzz) of Manteca, California, Martha Clawson Abell (Dixon) of Monroe, Louisiana, John D. Clawson (Betty) of Lawrence, Kansas, Curtis J. Clawson of Bonita Springs, Florida, Craig S. Clawson (Amy) of Tarpon Springs, Florida, Scott G. Clawson (Gayla) of Libertyville, Illinois, and Caroline C. Clawson of Libertyville, Illinois; brother, Charlie Clawson of Palo Alto, California; 21 cherished grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. In addition to his wife and parents, Jack was preceded in death by his brother, Darcy Clawson of New Canaan, Connecticut. The family will receive friends and loved ones on Saturday, June 9, 2018 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 20601 Three Oaks Parkway, Estero, Florida 33928. A public viewing will be held from 12:30pm – 2:30pm, followed by a funeral service at 3:00pm. John “Jack” Gibbs Clawson will be laid to rest alongside Cherie, his eternal companion, with family members at Memorial Gardens in Naples, Florida. Flowers may be sent to Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home in Bonita Springs, Florida or in lieu of flowers, you can make a donation to Loggerhead Turtle conservation, which Jack and Cherie loved Here or Hope Hospice Here Online condolence may be offered at www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home Family Owned Since 1978.

John G. "Jack" Clawson

February 19, 1928 - May 31, 2018