Richard Thain Clawson

Richard Thain Clawson, age 82, passed away peacefully at The Community Hospital in Idaho Falls, Idaho on December 5, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.

He was born on September 28, 1943, in Idaho Falls, to Leo Rudger and Nona Watson Clawson. After separation, Nona married Lloyd Toomer, who helped raise Richard as one of his own. 

He spent most of his life in Rigby, Idaho, where he and his wife, Trudy Lee Clawson, built a home filled with love and laughter. Richard met Trudy in Island Park, Idaho where they were both working for the summer. Their connection was instant, and they married on February 16th,1963, beginning a partnership that lasted over 62 years.

Together, they enjoyed a life full of shared adventures—fishing, golfing, boating, and traveling. They made memories in Hawaii, won a dance contest in St. Thomas, road-tripped through Montana, and spent winters snowmobiling.

Richard spent his career working as a heavy equipment operator, eventually becoming an owner of the family construction company, Toomer Construction.

Richard was a devoted father to two daughters, Laurie Murach and Kimberly (Craig) Martin. His four grandchildren, Madison (Thomas) Shihadeh, Hayley (Daniel) Grove, Kade Boyce (Erin Kocka), and Dylan Martin (Bailey Klingler), were the light of his life. Becoming a great-grandfather to Ayden, Millie, Theodore, and Reid brought him lots of happiness.

He had a gift for bringing joy into any room and making every gathering a little brighter. His genuine positive energy was contagious for anyone who was around him.

In recent years, Richard faced health challenges where he carried himself with grace, optimism, and unwavering strength. Through it all, his greatest motivation was the time he could share with those he loved most.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents, Leo Clawson and Nona and Lloyd Toomer; his brother Ron Clawson; his sister Cheryl Roos; his son-in-law Robert Murach; and his brothers-in-law, Bob McCullough and Theron Jardine.

Richard is survived by his wife, Trudy; his daughters; his grandchildren; his great-grandchildren; his sisters Shirley McCullough, Nanci Jardine, Betty (Rick) Miles, and Tammy (Mike) Kinghorn; his brother Charles (M’Recia) Clawson; and his brother-in-law Raeo Roos. He is also remembered fondly by many extended family members, friends and neighbors.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Richard will be profoundly missed and forever remembered for his big smile, his humor, his kindness, and the love he so generously gave.