Decorated WWII veterans passes away

WWII vet Gillis Clawson died Sunday. He joined the Army at the start of WWII, and didn’t get his high school diploma. In 2015, the Whitley County Board of Education presented him with a veteran’s diploma.

Decorated WWII veteran Gillis Clawson, 95, of Williamsburg, passed away Sunday, Dec. 2 at Baptist Health Corbin.

Clawson completed his third year of high school at Pleasant View School in 1940, but did not graduate because the following year he joined the U.S. Army.

Clawson served as a mechanic during WWII from 1941-45, and was stationed in Tunisia, Naples and Rome.

He received the American Defense

Clawson is seen helping place this wreath in the Courtyard of Champions at WCHS during a past Memorial Day ceremony.

Service Ribbon, the European Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with three Bronze Stars and the Good Conduct Medal as well as a Purple Heart for injuries he received in Tunisia.

After serving his country, Clawson went on to get his GED and graduate from college.

Clawson taught driver’s education at Pleasant View, Rockholds and Woodbine

Clawson is seen participating in a Veteran’s Day ceremony at Whitley County High School.

schools from 1955-1960.

In late 2015, the Whitley County Board of Education presented Clawson with an honorary veteran’s diploma.

“I’m honored. I really appreciate the attention I am getting I guess you would say and meeting these wonderful people,” Clawson said during that ceremony.

Clawson was recognized last month during a Veteran’s Day ceremony held at Whitley County High School.

His wife, Irene Clawson, of Williamsburg, his daughter, Sandra Ruth Brannon, and his grandson, Taylor Austin Brannon, both of Cincinnati, Ohio, survive Clawson.

Clawson’s visitation will start at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 5, at Ellison Funeral Home.

His funeral service is scheduled for 1 p.m. Thursday at the Ellison Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Bill Mitchell and Sam Lawson officiating.

Interment will be at the Broyles Cemetery in Rockholds.