grade. So, he developed a strong work ethic at a young age to help sustain and contribute to the family by taking on a paper route, picking cotton, delivering ice blocks, helping a local baker and raising chickens. He graduated from McGregor High School with the Class of 1955. Following high school, Claude began a 31 year military career by enlisting in the United States Air Force in May of 1955. He spent most of his early years stationed at Offutt Air Force Base in Bellevue, Nebraska. On August 3, 1956, Claude met the love of his life, Kathleen Clara Rhoten, and they were married on February 4, 1961 in McGregor, Texas. To this union, four children, Debbie, Curtis, Corey and Wayne were born. After several promotions, Claude rose to the rank of Major and thanks to the Air Force was able to travel all over the world to such places as Hawaii, Greenland, Italy, Japan and Thailand. During his time with the Air Force he was able to further his education, receiving his undergraduate degree from UNO (University of Nebraska - Omaha) in 1971 and Master's Degree in 1974. Claude retired from the Air Force in 1985. Not one to slow down, Claude worked for K-Mart for seven years. He also worked as an insurance salesman, auto manager and railroad transfer driver. For a time, he delivered cars for a Ford dealer and delivered a new car to quarterback, Brett Farve. In 1997, wanting to get closer to Kathy's home they moved to Farragut, where Claude would eventually become the minister of the Farragut Congregational Church. He served for 15 years before stepping down. After moving to Iowa, Claude was active with the Masonic Lodge in Sidney, the Council Bluffs American Legion, the Disabled American Veterans, the Southwest Iowa Pastoral Association and served as hospice counselor and Garden View Care Center counselor. He also worked part-time at the Selby Funeral Chapel. In his spare time, Claude enjoyed genealogy, racquetball, donating blood, doing his pastoral radio show on KMA, visiting with all kinds of people and being a smile maker and hugger. Preceding Claude in death were his parents; nine siblings, Ruth, Nelo Gean, James, Lorraine, Roy, Lindy, Frank, Joe Bob, and Billy Don. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of nearly 57 years, Kathleen Westerfield; daughter, Debbie DeFatta of Bossier City, LA; three sons, Curtis Westerfield of Milpitas, CA, Corey Westerfield of Farragut, IA and Wayne Westerfield of New Orleans, LA; six grandchildren; sister, Cleta Smith of Dallas, TX; other relatives and many friends.
405 W Thomas Avenue
Shenandoah, IA 51601
405 W Thomas Avenue
Shenandoah, IA 51601
Celebration of Life Funeral Service