Jarret Russell “Russ” Clawson Jr. age 78, of Portland went home to be with Jesus on Saturday, February 14, 2026. He was surrounded by family. Born on April 12, 1947, in Fremont, Ohio, he was the son of Jarret Sr. and Eileen (Sting) Clawson. He was married on July 26, 1969, to Marilyn Enz who survives.

Russ served in the Army in Vietnam from 1967-1969. He was awarded the Bronze Star for his radio operating skills during the Tet Offensive. His careful work continued beyond his service as he transitioned from supervising in a factory, to farming, before finally becoming a self-taught carpenter. He filled the homes of family and friends with patiently crafted projects. Russ had a love for gardening and experienced great joy in sharing the abundance with others. His homemade salsa was out of this world. He also had a lifelong love for fishing.

His steadfast love, quiet strength, and calming presence was a blessing to his loved ones. Russ had a strong sense of right and wrong that one “just knew”. He was a surrendered follower of Jesus, embracing the freedom found in Christ alone. He fought the good fight.

He attended Bryant Wesleyan Church and looked forward to weekly men’s prayer meetings with cherished friends and brothers in Christ.

As a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, great uncle, and friend, he displayed the power of love and dedication through every phase of life. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness and strength. Russ was an enduring example of what it means to be a good soldier and faithful servant of the Lord.

In addition to his parents, Russ was preceded in death by his brother, Mark Clawson.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Marilyn; two daughters, Kimberly (Jerry) Nichols and Deborah (Tim) Garrett; three sisters, Judith Clark, Dianne (William) Shenloogian, and Kay (Deb Maldeney) Clawson Murrill; one brother, David (Val) Clawson; eleven grandchildren: Jacob (Valerie), Luke (Juliana), Benjamin Russell, Joseph Nichols, Brittany (Brock) Hughes, Jordann (Ben) Jenkins, Alex (Taylor) White, Jake (Shelby) Garrett, Reggie (Jillian) Garrett, Eli and Abby Garrett; sixteen great grandchildren with one more precious one on the way; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be on Friday, February 20, 2026 at 11AM at Bryant Wesleyan Church in Bryant, Indiana, with Pastor Paul VanCise presiding. Burial with military rites by American Legion Post 211 will follow in the Green Park Cemetery in Portland. Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 19, 2026, from 4PM to 7PM at the Williamson-Spencer and Penrod Funeral Home in Portland and one hour prior to the services at the church.

Memorials may be directed towards Jay County Cancer Society.