Obituary for Claude William Smith
Claude William Smith, 98, passed January 28, 2018 at his home in Mangum, Oklahoma.
Claude and his twin brother Clyde were born in Farmington, New Mexico on February 11, 1919 to Marshall and Alice ( Dalle ) Smith.
Claude grew up in Floydada, Texas and moved to Mangum, Oklahoma to play football. He graduated Mangum High School in 1941. Following graduation Claude joined the Army Air Corps. He served his country for twenty-seven years. He served in WWII, he was a pilot serving in Italy. Following the war, he served in the states for the remainder of his career. He married Signe (Westby) on May 1, 1943. She passed away in 2001 after fifty- seven years of marriage. Of the marriage, they had two children, Bruce Smith of Bellevue, Washington, and Claudia Graham of Mangum, Oklahoma. After retiring from the United States Air Force, Claude worked for the Seattle, Washington School District. He then returned to Mangum in 2001.
Claude was always known as a gentleman, loved people, love to listen to music, and playing music, including but not limited to the banjo, fiddle, harmonica, piano, and the organ. He was known by his stage name was "Country Claude" and performed country and western music for many years.
Claude is preceded in death by his wife Signe (Westby) in 2001 ,his twin brother Clyde in 2010 , his parents, two sisters Ada, Bonnie, brother Sam,
Claude is survived by his children, Bruce (Lynn) Smith of Bellevue, Washington, and Claudia Graham Mangum, Oklahoma, three grandchildren, Jenelle Graham of Austin, Texas, Michelle Youngblood of Mangum, Oklahoma , Rodney Sherwood of Bainbridge Island, Washington 7 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, one nephew Tyler Smith, numerous of other family members.
A viewing will be 6p.m. to 8p.m. Wednesday, January 31, 2018 at Greer Funeral Home in Mangum, Oklahoma.
Funeral Services for Claude Smith will be 1:00 p.m. Thursday, February 1, 2018 at the Red River Cowboy Church with Pastor Darrell Coffman officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Cemetery.
Services are under the direction of Greer Funeral Home, Mangum, Oklahoma.
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