Grant Romney Clawson

Grant Romney Clawson, 88, passed away on July 10, 2016 at his home in Murray, Utah. He was born on August 2, 1927 to Shirl Young Clawson and Gertrude May Romney Clawson in Salt Lake City, Utah, the youngest of 5 children.

Grant attended Lowell Elementary and Bryant Junior High, and in 1944 he graduated from East High School. He attended the University of Utah for one quarter, when (where) he determined that school was not for him!

He joined the Merchant Marines and took just one six-month trip (from Portland, Oregon, to Shanghai, China, New Caledonia, the Philippine Islands, through the Panama Canal-to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania). He was also called up with the first Utah draftees and entered the Korean Conflict in September, 1950, for a two-year stint.

Grant married Irma Griggs on February 28, 1951 in Fort Riley, Kansas. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple on February 28, 1955.

Grant began working at KSL-TV in 1952, advancing from Floor Manager to Production Manager, when he terminated his employment on December 2, 1968 to begin painting murals of the Savior and portraits of LDS church presidents for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He had known since he was 10 years old that he would one day paint for the temples of the Lord. Murals and reproductions of his paintings hang in temples worldwide. His paintings can be viewed at the North Visitor's Center on Temple Square, and in other Visitor's Centers across the country.

He also had a compassion for writing music (mostly lyrics, but music as well). His dream was to be a great songwriter - but painting and life got in the way.

Grant served in many church capacities: He served a four-year stake mission - with two years as Stake Mission President ("the best church calling I ever had"); High Council, Winder Stake; various other teaching and leadership positions. Late in life, he served with his wife as service missionaries for 18 months in the Thai Branch in Murray, Utah.

Grant was a great-grandson of Brigham Young and never let anyone forget it. As a youth, he participated in various sports - but he gave up all sports when he began working at KSL-TV. He loved watching his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren participate in sports and was extremely loyal in that capacity.

"My greatest gift in life was not my artistic talent - it was my wife, Irma, and the children she gave me." Grant and Irma adored the family they started, and watched it grow and grow and grow.

The family continues to grow and here we are: Grant (Grig) (Paula), Colby, Gavin (Stephanie), Darcie (Mary Gathers), Cara Peterson (Mike), Megan Doezie (Troy); 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 16, 2016 at the Ridgecreek Ward, 5735 Fashion Blvd., Murray, Utah. Viewings will take place from 6-8 p.m. on Friday evening at the church and from 9:30-10:45 a.m. on Saturday prior to the service. Interment, Salt Lake City Cemetery.