J.L. Les Clow

John Leslie (Les) Clow of Keller, Texas, passed away peacefully on August 21, 2017, after a life well lived.

Les was born in Sugar City, Colorado on January 9, 1918, to John and Ann Clow. He grew up on a wheat farm in in western Kansas where he and his family lived through the challenging dust bowl period.

One of eight graduates from Edson High School, Les went on to graduate from Kansas State University with a degree in Agriculture in 1940. It was during his college days in Manhattan, Kansas, that he began flying lessons and received his private pilot’s license. This new love pulled him away from the farm and he became a pilot for American Airlines and flew for them from 1943 until his retirement in 1978. Les began his flying career with American stationed in Burbank, California, where he met his future wife, Virginia, a stewardess. The couple moved to Fort Worth in 1955 and later moved to Southlake where they lived from 1961 until 2007. Les served as mayor of Southlake from 1968 to 1972 and co-founded Southlake Realty, where he was a partner for many years.

Les will be remembered most for his devotion to his family, church, and his friends. He was a dutiful and attentive son, brother, husband, and father. He was committed to furthering the life and mission of Trinity Presbyterian Church. He found great joy in nurturing his many relationships from a wide circle of friends: fellow pilots, neighbors cultivated through real estate transactions, friendships formed through mutual interests. He lived a life of gratitude and service.

Les is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 69 years, Virginia; sister, Doris; and his parents, John and Ann Clow. He is survived by his daughter, Ann Swirczynski and husband Virgil of Aubrey Texas; daughter Carol Pye and husband Charles of Louisville, Kentucky; grandson Michael Swirczynski and wife Mandy of Flower Mound; granddaughter Leah Pye of Louisville, Kentucky; great granddaughters, Allison and Madeline Swirczynski; numerous other nieces, nephews, other family members, and dear friends who have traveled with him on his journey.

In lieu of flowers, please make your gifts to Trinity Presbyterian Church or Southlake Sister Cities.
Arrangements are under the direction of Lucas Funeral Home in Keller, Texas.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, September 10 at 3:00 p.m. at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Southlake, Texas.