Alfred Clowser

“Al” was born in Deadwood, South Dakota on April 30th, 1933 to Pearl and Florence Clowser. He attended school in nearby Lead, SD, graduating from High School in 1951. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1952, specializing first in Military law enforcement and then civil engineering. While stationed at Sampson Air Force Base, New York he met the love of his life, Irene F. Hughes, at a USO dance. They married on November 7, 1953 in Elmira Heights, NY. This beautiful union was blessed with five children; Stephen (Cheryl), Cynthia (Richard) Egitto, James, Paul (Stephanie) and Mary (David) Whitmire. He was also blessed with seven grandchildren; Kristen (Geoff) Abel, Lauren Clowser, Crystal (Brandon) Butierres, Michael Clowser, Matthew Clowser, Alexander Whitmire, Grant Whitmire and three great grandchildren; Graham Abel, Carter Clowser and Zach Clowser.

During his 20 years of Military Service, “Al” was stationed all over the world, including tours in Greenland and Vietnam, and two tours at the United Stated Air Force Academy. After his retirement in 1972 with the rank of Master Sergeant, he worked in the private sector before continuing Federal government service as a U.S Army civilian, first as a planner for the Department of Public Works at Fort Carson, CO, and then as an environmental compliance assessor for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Savannah, Georgia. Al served his country with distinction for over 33 years, receiving numerous awards and citations for excellence. He retired from the Civil Service in 1998 and returned to Colorado Springs to pursue his passion for physical fitness and serving others in the local community.

During his life, Al was “All In” on any activity he pursued, whether it be backpacking in the Colorado Mountains, running marathons, competitive race walking, or as an athlete in the Colorado Senior Olympics, where he was a medal winner in the five-event pentathlon. Al was published several times, writing articles on aspects of senior citizen physical fitness. A consummate teacher, Al led strength training and Tai Chi classes at his local YMCA for many years, earning the respect of both his students and the staff. Al was a lifelong learner, earning degrees from the University of Colorado at UCCS, Central Michigan University, and Armstrong Atlantic State University. A long time Chicago Bear fan, he followed the team’s ups and downs throughout his life.

Central to Al’s life was his deep Catholic faith. His devotion to God and God’s message of salvation permeated every aspect of his life. He particularly enjoyed teaching religious education, leading bible study groups, serving in the Knights of Columbus, and volunteering for other parish activities. He always strove to be an example to others of God’s teachings in action here on Earth. Al loved life, sharing his Catholic Faith with everyone he met. Patience, forgiveness and empathy for others were a constant. His sense of humor and kindness was something no one could ignore, making him close friends wherever he went. Alfred Clowser will always be remembered by his family and friends.

Wake Service will be held on Thursday, October 18th, beginning at 4:00 PM, at Swan-Law Funeral Home, 501 N. Cascade Ave. Colorado Springs, CO. 719-822-2574. Catholic Mass to be held on Friday, October 19th, at 10:00 AM at Holy Trinity Church, 3122 Poinsettia Drive, Colorado Springs, CO. 719-633-2132. Inurnment to be at Pikes Peak National Cemetery, with date yet to be determined. In lieu of flowers, donations in memorial may be made to National Jewish Health at the www.nationaljewish.org website (Make a Donation, Honor/Memorial Gift). Special Thanks to the Staff at Memorial Hospital Central for treating our father with such kindness empathy and respect.