Dr. Robert Louis Clawson

Long time Marshalltown Optometrist, Dr. Robert Louis Clawson died on December 25, 2019. He was born and raised in Lafayette, Indiana. After being educated at Purdue University and the Illinois College of Optometry, Dr. Clawson came to Marshalltown in 1955 to join the practice of Dr. Cecil M. Long, with the advent of contact lenses, he returned to Indiana University for more schooling then returned to Marshalltown to practice at 207 E. Main Street for 43 years, he retired in 1998. He was a life member of the Iowa Optometric Association and the American Optometric Association as well as various professional organizations. He lost his father at an early age and at age 17 he enlisted in the Marine Corp and described it as “The best and worst time of my life.” He married Marilyn Kirby in Indiana and they had three children: Marilou (Duane) Mol of Galesburg, Illinois, Bonnie (Craig) Inman of Kansas City, Missouri and Jeffrey T. Clawson of Albion. They divorced and he later married Kathy Dickkut of Marshalltown in 1985. He is survived by his wife Kathy of Albion, Iowa; children: Marilou (Duane) Mol of Galesburg, Illinois, Bonnie (Craig) Inman of Kansas City, Missouri and Jeff T. Clawson as well as grandson Joshua Robert Clawson of Albion. Josh’s mother died when he was three years old of breast cancer. Dr. Robert Clawson was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and three sisters. Dr. Clawson was the 4th President of the original Optimist club, was a fifty plus year member of the Masonic Lodge and was a member of the American Legion. In 1971, he received special recognition from the YMCA for his work and contributions to the YMCA swim team. There will be no visitation and services will be private.