Joseph F. "Joe" Clow, 71,  died Thursday, November 27, 2014 at his home after a bout with cancer. Joe was born the 8th of 12 children to Joseph and Pauline (Stivers) Clow August 11, 1943. Joe lived his entire life locally though he traveled extensively with his job throughout the country. He never met a stranger and made lasting friendships where ever he went.

He married Karen Dugan December 8, 1962 and she survives. 2 children were born to their union; Greg Clow and Susan Clow Conley. Joe excelled in sports in his younger years and remained an avid sports fan throughout his life. He loved kids and wanted to see them excel. He coached Little League teams for 20 years in Lawrence and Richland counties. He was instrumental in getting the jr. football program started here. He always had an encouraging word to say to all kids competing.

Joe was a member of Mt. Gilead Church, Elks Club, Richland County Country Club, and VFW Men's Auxillary.

Joe leaves to mourn his passing wife Karen, son Greg & Hilary Clow, Greenwood, In.; daughter Susan & John Conley, St. Charles, Mo.; grandchildren: Gregory Joe, Katherine & Emaline Clow, Norfolk, Va.; Ashley, Chris & Peyton Bruns, Indianapolis, In.; Patrick Conley, St. Charles, Mo.; brothers: Henry & Beverly Clow, Olney, Il.; Kenneth & Trish Clow, Dalton City, Il.; David & Doreen Clow, Washington Courthouse, Oh.; sisters: Betty & Walter Cox, Lakeport, Ca.; Edith & Willie Polk, Shelbyville, Il.; Linda & Tom Horn, Olney, Il.; sisters-in-law: Gladys & Trella Clow, both of Olney, Il. Ten years ago Joe & Karen adopted a family and they also survive: Jim, Rena, Hunter, & Taylor Meritt, Mandy, Chris & Mack Ginder, Jamie, Nick, Brenna, & Landon Smith; Jana, Dustin, Gracie & Warren Toombs, Adam & Maggie McKnight.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, great grandaughter, Vivianne Elaine Clow, brothers: Paul, Dick & Bill Clow,Sr.;sisters: Shirley & Roy Darby and Patsy & FredKufleitner.

Services at Mt. Gilead Church with burial in Haven Hill Cemetery.

Published in Olney Daily Mail (IL) - December 1, 2014