Michael Paul Clauss, Sr.

Michael Paul Clauss, Sr., 75, of rural Flat Rock, IL, passed away unexpectedly in his home on May 8, 2021. He was born February 26, 1946, in Robinson, IL, the son of Paul Clauss & Opal (Rich) Clauss-Davis, both of whom preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his step-father, Kenny Davis; by his son, Michael Paul Clauss, Jr.; as well as several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law. He married Ivory Christine Watts in 1971, and she survives. He is also survived by his daughter, Lori A. Fear (and John Johnson) of Robinson, IL; by his son, Jeffrey Dean Shryock (and Jeri Ann Shryock) of Tennessee; by five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; as well as two brothers-in-law and one sister-in-law. Mike grew up in the New Hebron and Robinson areas and was a 1964 graduate of Robinson High School. He went on to proudly serve his country as a combat medic in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. Over the course of two tours, Mike earned many decorations, most notably, the Purple Heart for wounds received while tending to the needs of those who also put their lives on the line in the name of freedom. Following his honorable discharge, he came home and found work with numerous local businesses, including the Pottery and the Marathon Pipeline. On the side, he played the drums for the Wabash Valley Boys, a local band that went so far as to cut a EP in the 1970s. Eventually, he was hired at the Robinson Correctional Center, where he worked as a correctional officer for many years before retiring. Away from work, Mike could often be found outdoors. An avid fisherman, he knew the peace that only a beautiful day with a rod and reel can provide a soul. Though he frequented many local bodies of water, he was especially drawn to Reelfoot Lake in Tennessee. He was also quite the golfer and was a longtime member of the Oak Glen Golf Course. Back home, he and his wife, Christine, took great pride in their yard and even had identical "his and her" lawnmowers! Anyone who knew him could attest to his ornery nature. He was, by all accounts, a jokester, as his friends at the VFW could attest. We who are left behind are thankful for Mike's life and are humbled by the generosity of spirit that enabled him to take up the call of freedom for his fellow man. He will forever be missed by his family. Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 13th at the Robinson New Cemetery, with Pastor Phil Boyd officiating. Military services will be conducted by the combined units of the Robinson V.F.W. Post #4549, the Robinson American Legion Post #69, and the Flat Rock American Legion Post #132. In honor of his love of animals, memorials may be made to the "Crawford County Humane Society", with envelopes available at the cemetery. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson is in charge of arrangements.