Anthony Clouse

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - Anthony R. "Tony" Clouse, 67, of Knoxville, died at 6:25 p.m. Thursday, April 14, 2011, at the Ft. Sanders Medical Center in Knoxville from complications of cancer diagnosed in 2009.

He was born July 25, 1943, in Van Wert, Ohio, to Marge H. (Severn) Clouse, who survives in Van Wert, and Regis W. Clouse, who died July 25,1991.

Other survivors include a special friend: Judy and her daughters, Krissi and Julie, who survive in Knoxville; a son and a daughter; three aunts, one uncle, and several cousins. Also surviving are a niece; Mindy (Mark) McCormack of Van Wert, nephews; Roger E. (Denise) Mengerink of Columbus, Ohio, and Jason Mengerink of Convoy, Ohio; a brother: Stevan K. Clouse of Spokane, Wash.; a sister: Carol (Roger) Mengerink of Van Wert, and two grandchildren.

In 1962 he enlisted in the US Navy and after basic training he was appointed to President Kennedy's Naval Honor Guard. From there he applied for sea duty aboard the USS Longbeach which was one of the first nuclear powered guided missile cruisers. He made two world cruises aboard this ship to test the longevity of this new type of power system and would often comment that he had seen the world over before he reached the age of 25 and it had not cost him a dime.

After a short time as a civilian, he enlisted in the US Air Force and served in the Caribbean and then Denmark where he was promoted to the rank of Master Sgt. and received several awards for meritorious service.

He was sent to the University of Tennessee for special training and was then transferred to Knoxville in 1996. He enlisted in the Tennessee Air National Guard where he served until he retired in July of 2003 after 34 years of military service. He was awarded a Bronze medal with oak leaf cluster and also received the "Minute Man Award". Not only was his military service special to him, Tony also loved restoring cars, and making Adirondack lawn furniture and bird houses in his woodworking shop. He enjoyed people, family, and friends and shall be missed.

Services will be held at 12 p.m. Saturday, April 30, 2011, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory in Van Wert. The Rev. William Haggis will officiate. Burial will be in Ridge Cemetery, Middle Point, Ohio. Military graveside service provided by the Van Wert American Legion and VFW Posts.

Calling is 10 a.m. until noon Saturday, April 30, 2011, at the funeral home.

Preferred memorial is Van Wert American Legion Post or donor's choice.