Obituary
Kenneth Ray Clowdus
February 21st, 1930 - August 27th, 2024
In Loving Memory
Kenneth Ray Clowdus
February 21, 1930 – August 27, 2024
U.S. Army Veteran
Kenneth Ray Clowdus died early Tuesday morning in Stamford, Connecticut. He died peacefully, having slipped into a coma after watching his LA Rams last preseason game with family.
He was born in Wilson, Oklahoma, where he lived until he was 8. His family moved to Fillmore, California. His first few years were in the Great Depression. Within two years of moving to California, both of his parents passed separately and unexpectedly. He remained in California with his grandmother and older brother Ralph. Kenneth graduated from Jordan High School, Long Beach, California in 1948.
After high school Kenneth joined the U.S. Army. He was a career soldier until, preparing to deploy to Vietnam, he failed a hearing test and was forced to retire in 1969, having obtained the rank of Sergeant. While in the Army he served in California, Washington, Texas, Hawaii, and Germany.
Kenneth met his first wife, Maria, in Germany. His daughters, Gabriella and Rena, were born in Germany. They returned state-side in 1964 and settled in the greater Los Angeles area and he worked as a foreman for Sinclair Paint.
On Valentine’s Day in 1981 he married Venice Bowen. Upon retiring they moved to Idaho Falls where they enjoyed the slower pace and the company of many relatives. Later they lived with Venice’s daughter Nancy in Connecticut.
Ken lived in Connecticut for nearly 20 years. He enjoyed gardening, woodworking, and drawing. He enjoyed his nearby grandchildren and also travelling to see those in California, Florida, Oregon and Washington.
Ken is survived by daughters Gaby (Frank) St. Clair, Rena Navarrete, Sharon Gardner, Wendy Oughton and Nancy Reilly. He had 15 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren.
He is predeceased by his wife Venice, a son, Michael Gardner and several nephews and nieces.
A visitation will be held Saturday, September 7, 2024 from 1:00 – 2:00 PM at Eckersell Funeral Home. There will be a service to follow at 2:00 PM. Interment at Sutton Cemetery.
