John Leeds Worthington Claude Sr.

Our beloved father passed peacefully into the arms of the Lord on the evening of February 9, 2022, surrounded by his family. He was born in 1931 in Annapolis, Maryland, but lived in Hagerstown, Maryland, for most of his formative years. He was preceded in death by his father, William Tell Claude; his mother, Grace Josephine (Artz) Claude; his older brother, William Tell Claude, III; and a younger brother, Gordon Handy Claude. John is survived by his three children; one son, John Leeds Worthington Claude, Jr. (Kelly); two daughters, Jana Denise (Claude) Roland (Gary), and Tanis Annette (Claude) Meldrum; his older brother, Dennis Claude; his former wife and friend, Betty Jean (Harrell) Claude; ten grandchildren, and fourteen great grandchildren. He was a member of the congregation at Heritage Baptist Church of Pensacola. He was an Air Force veteran, serving in the Korean War for four years. After leaving the service, he was employed by the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Florida, as a civil servant welding instructor until he retired. He obtained a Beneficial Suggestion Award from his efforts to rework the damaged combustion chamber for the T-28 heater units during his career. His gentle spirit, loving presence and comical antics have left us with priceless memories as gifts to his family. His adventurous spirit led his family and friends on journeys that truly enriched our lives. He loved fishing, boating, camping, and just communing with nature and all of God’s creatures. He taught us to appreciate all of life and not to stress about the little things. The world was his oyster and he intended to explore it. He lived life on his terms, as he ruled time and not the other way around. His ability to see the world through a loving lens was evident in how he treated loved ones and cared for all animals. His curiosity of the world and how it worked was infectious, as it would often turn us to search for answers to the questions that he would pose. His love of country and western music and listening to his gospel music filled his last years when he was no longer able to scoot about, as he previously enjoyed. He was a very loving Dad, Grandfather, and Great Grandfather and he was dearly loved by all. Dad, thank you, from all of us…..you will surely be missed! Visitation will be Monday, February 14, 2022, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home South. Funeral will follow at 12:00 PM. Gerald Manley, Pastor Matthew Smith, and Pastor Andrew Malack will be officiating. Interment will be at Barrancas National Cemetery, NAS Pensacola, FL. Faith Chapel Funeral Home South, 100 Beverly Parkway, Pensacola, is entrusted with arrangements. You may express condolences online at www.fcfhs.com.

Tributes

John Leeds Worthington Claude Sr.

December 30, 1931 - February 9, 2022