Mr. Clarence Vernon “Cowboy” Blodgett, age 104, of Bennington, Indiana, was born a mile and a half up the road from his current home in Bennington, Indiana. Clarence was one of seven boys born to the parents of, Charles Benjamin and Pearl Mae (Stout) Blodgett. He was raised in Bennington, Indiana and was a 1936 graduate of the Vevay High School. Clarence enlisted into the Army Air Corps at Fort Knox in Kentucky on May 14, 1942. He attended basic training in Biloxi, Mississippi, hoping to learn about mechanics, so he would have a skill once he got out of the service. Clarence was assigned to the 34th Air Depot Group, Headquarters Squadron, where he served much of his time as a driver for officers and other military personnel. That assignment took him all over the country and the world. After completing basic training, Clarence was sent to Buffalo, New York for P-40 school and later to California. He was later shipped back across the country to the East Coast where he was shipped overseas to Europe to drive officers all over the country during World War II. Clarence always stated, “No matter where I was, the Lord was always with me.” Once World War II ended, Clarence was honorably discharged with the rank of Corporal on October 12, 1945 at Fort Benjamin Harrison in Indianapolis. Clarence met a young girl named Nettie Cox and the family moved to Indianapolis, Indiana. Clarence moved to Indianapolis and was employed for Richardson’s Battery Company, and it was there that he was reunited with his soon to be wife. Clarence and Nettie were united in marriage on September 29, 1945 in Indianapolis, Indiana. This happy union of over 68 years was blessed with three children, JoAnne, Donald and Richard. Clarence was employed in the lasting department for the US Shoe Factory in Osgood, Indiana, retiring at the age of 62, after 40 years of service. Clarence farmed most all of his life raising horses and a few cattle, as well as, a garden. He enjoyed reading western books, especially by authors, Zane Grey and Louis L’Amour. Clarence was a loving caregiver for several years to his wife and daughter until their passing. Clarence was a member of the Vevay American Legion Post #185 and the Vevay VFW Post #5396. He was also a member and trustee at Bennington Community Church in Bennington, Indiana. Clarence was a trustee for Slawson Cemetery for several years. Cowboy Clarence and other local veterans from all over the Tri-State area participated in an “Honor Flight” in 2018 where they flew to Washington, D.C. and experienced a day being honored for their service for their country while getting the opportunity to view many of the national monuments and memorials.Clarence was honored in 2020 at the Vevay American Legion Post #185 for being the oldest living Veteran in Switzerland County. Clarence passed away at 11:53 p.m., Thursday, June 22, 2023, at the Norton King’s Daughters’ Hospital in Madison, Indiana.
Clarence will be missed by his son, Donald Blodgett of Bennington, Indiana; his daughter-in-law, Martha Ann (Werner) Blodgett of near Pleasant, Indiana; his grandson, Max Blodgett and his wife, Amber of Great Falls, Montana; his granddaughter, Carrie Blodgett of Canaan, Indiana; his great-grandchildren, Griffin Blodgett, Cole Blodgett, Kaven Blodgett, Gabe Blodgett and Dale Blodgett and his several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Nettie L. (Cox) Blodgett, died January 20, 2013; his son, Richard C. “Rick” Blodgett, died February 14, 2001; his daughter, JoAnne Blodgett, died May 28, 2005; his father, Charles Benjamin Blodgett, died September 21, 1947; his mother, Pearl Mae (Stout) Blodgett, died February 26, 1957 and his brothers, Charles E. Blodgett, died April 22, 1975, David Paulmer Blodgett, died March 5, 1988, Dawson E. Blodgett, died May 23, 1993, Maurice Lee Blodgett, died May 3, 1995, Samuel Morton Blodgett, died April 28, 2003 and Ralph Wesley Blodgett, died December 5, 2007.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Thursday, June 29, 2023, at the Haskell & Morrison Funeral Home, 208 Ferry Street, Vevay, Indiana 47043.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m., Friday, June 30, 2023, by Pastor Bill Madison, at the Haskell & Morrison Funeral Home, 208 Ferry Street, Vevay, Indiana 47043.
Interment and full military rites will be conducted by the Honor Guard of the Vevay American Legion Post #185 and the Vevay VFW Post #5396 in the Slawson Cemetery, Bennington, Indiana.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Slawson Cemetery or Bennington Community Church. Cards are available at the funeral home or online at www.haskellandmorrison.com