Services
Obituary
Wilbur L. Claude, 88 of Riverside, California and formerly of Clarion, Iowa passed away Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at Lifestyle Board and Care in Riverside, California.
Funeral services for Wilbur Claude will be held on Thursday, June 2, 2016 at 11:07 AM at Ewing Funeral Home, 1801 Central Avenue East in Clarion with Pastor Warren Curry officiating. Burial will take place at Evergreen Cemetery in Clarion. Military graveside honors will be conducted by the Clarion American Legion and VFW Posts.
Visitation for Wilbur Claude will be held on Thursday, June 2, 2016 beginning at 10:30 AM and continuing until 11:07 AM at Ewing Funeral Home in Clarion.
Wilbur’s family would like to invite those in attendance to wear casual clothing in red, blue or white. Red was Wilbur’s favorite color, blue for his beautiful eyes and white for his pure heart and love. All three colors also symbolize Wilbur’s patriotism for the U.S.A.
Wilbur Lester Claude was born June 21, 1927 to William and Katherine (Scheppler) Claude on a farm south of Clarion. Wilbur was one of seven children and attended country schools through the 8th grade and then went to work to help support his family during the depression era.
Wilbur served in the United States Army from September of 1945 until October of 1946 in the Asiatic Pacific Theater towards the end of World War II. He was a member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Wilbur was united in marriage to Barbara Wray on January 17, 1949. To this union, daughter Jolene was born.
Wilbur built eleven homes in Clarion in his spare time, two of which the family lived. His skills as a carpenter were recognized by many in the community.
Wilbur worked as a head custodian and bus driver/manager in the Clarion school district for 39 years before his retirement. He enjoyed fishing trips, hunting, woodworking, and excelled in bowling, having won numerous tournaments. In retirement his new sport was golf. He had 2 holes-in-one to his golf credit.
Wilbur is survived by his daughter Jolene Marie Claude-Roberts of Moreno Valley, California; his grandchildren Nicole Renee Roberts-Klatt and husband Aaron Klatt of Ames, Iowa, Erin Michele Roberts and husband Jeff Nelson of Seattle, Washington, Don-Evan York Norman and wife Priscilla Malta of Riverside, California and Madisyn Ashleigh Norman of Corona, California; great-grandchildren Ryan Nathaniel Nelson of Seattle, Chase Alexander Klatt of Ames and Ava Nicole Klatt of Ames; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Wilbur was preceded in death by his wife Barbara, five sisters and one brother.