David John Clowes, 85, passed away January 14th at Francis Mahon Deaconess Hospital in Glasgow Montana. A wake will be held at Bell Mortuary Sunday, January 17, 2016 from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass is planned for 11:00 a.m., Monday, January 18th, at St. Raphael’s Catholic Church with Father Jose Valliparambil officiating. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery. A luncheon will be held after burial at the Cottonwood Inn. Please send any memorials to Glasgow Education Fund or Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital.
Dave was born June 23, 1930, in Glasgow, MT and as a boy grew up on a farm on Cherry Creek north east of Glasgow which was, as he described it, a “paradise for a growing boy.” He was the fifth of seven children born to Homer and Ruth (Biddle) Clowes. As a boy, Dave was involved in FFA and football (and numerous high school activities). He had a kind spirit which led him to help kids of all ages. While in High School he joined the Naval Reserve. He played college football at Whitworth in Spokane.
While attending the University of Montana he met Dorothy Patten of Missoula. He married her one week before reporting for duty in the United States Navy. He served as a gunners mate on the USS Walton serving in the Formosa Sea during the Korean War. Upon his return he and Dorothy ran a dairy farm in Missoula before returning to take over the family wheat farm near Fort Peck. With unconditional love he and Dorothy raised four children in the country, teaching them the value of hard work and responsibility and allowing them to face life with confidence. After the farm was sold, the family moved to Glasgow where Dave worked first for the State Employment Service and then for the Federal Land Bank (where he worked for 24 years). Drawn to the rural life, in 1964 Dave and Dorothy bought a small irrigated cattle operation on Tampico road. They sold that farm in 1969 and moved to Glasgow. In 1974, they built a house on the North Side of Glasgow and a cabin at the Pines.
Dave was a life long member of the Republican Party and was proud to say he was patriotic before it was popular. Dave loved practical jokes and was an expert at quick, witty responses and one liners. He loved gardening and flowers (“posies”) and watching storm clouds gather. Dave loved spending time at the pines and lead camping/boating trips at Fort Peck lake with his grandkids (parents were not allowed). This was one of the highlights of his grandchildren’s childhood.
After the death of his first wife, Dave married Berta Connors of Glasgow in 1996 and was blessed with a complete second family who he loved and who brought him great joy.
Dave loved Glasgow. He was actively involved for years with the Elks Club, Lions Club and Chamber of Commerce. In his early years he was active in the First Baptist Church and later he served as a Glasgow School Board trustee. He greatly enjoyed golfing with friends and meeting with his coffee club for over 50 years. In his later years he enjoyed watching the birds come to his bird bath right next to his living room window.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Dorothy; son, James Clowes; Berta’s daughter, Wendy Kambich; his parents, Homer and Ruth; and brothers, Art, Hank and Don.
Dave is survived by his wife, Berta; three sisters, MaryAnn Moen, Beulah (Richard) Burnham, Helen (John) Dekker; one son, Wade (Kathy) Clowes; two daughters, Dena (Rick) Burt, Lorrie (Alan) Merrill; daughter in-law, Erin Clowes; 10 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by Berta’s sons, Bill (Kim), Bob (Barb), Ted (Juli), and Tim (Debbie) Connors; one daughter, Marj (Scott) Markle; 16 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.
Lynn Strobel says
We just heard of Dave’s passing. I had the pleasure of working with Dave for several years in the 1970’s and 1980’s. I will always treasure those years. Not only were they enjoyable but helped shape my employment career. We are so sorry for your loss. Lynn and Judy Strobel
Michele Brennick says
Roberta & family, you are all in our thoughts & prayers @ the loss of Dave. In time, we hope that your special memories will bring you peace & comfort. Love Bill, Michele & family