Claude Estes

Claude William Estes, 95, of Jackson passed away Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009, at Jackson Manor.

He was born Oct. 27, 1914, in Burfordville, son of William and Mattie F. Criddle Estes. He and Arvella A. Rhodes were married Nov. 23, 1938.

Claude was a lifelong member of Gravel Hill Methodist Church in Gravel Hill, Mo. He was a member and former worshipful master of Whitewater Masonic Lodge 417, and a 32nd Degree member of Scottish Rite Valley of St. Louis.

He served two terms during the Depression with Civilian Conservation Corps. He volunteered at Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau and was a member of the Gideons organization.

Claude farmed 20 years in the Crump area from 1938 to 1958. In 1958 he and his family moved to Bollinger County. He then joined Carpenters Local 1770 in Cape Girardeau, retiring in 1974. He and Arvella moved to Jackson in 1993. Claude had a passion for woodworking and gardening.

Loving survivors include his wife of 70 years; two sons, Ron (Susan) Estes of Marble Hill, Mo., Wayne (Mary Lou) Estes of Jackson; two daughters, Carol (James) Craft of Jackson, Wanda (Ron) Devenport of St. Charles, Mo.; a sister, Gladys Jaco of Jackson; 12 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a brother, five sisters and a great-grandson.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday and from 11 a.m. until time of service Sunday at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson. A Rose Croix service will be conducted by the Scottish Rite at 7, followed by a Masonic service by Whitewater Masonic Lodge 417.

The funeral will be at 1:30 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Gwen Streeter officiating. Interment will follow in Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson.

Memorials may be made to Gravel Hill Methodist Church or Missouri Veterans Home.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting McCombs Funeral Home website at www.mccombsfunerahome.com.