Claude Anson Pigg's Obituary
Claude Anson Pigg, 89, of Commerce, OK, passed away early July 26, 2015 at his home, surrounded by his family, following a long illness. He was born March 10, 1926 in Van Buren, MO to Walter Pigg and Alice (Pullman) Pigg. Claude married Beulah Joyce White on October 22, 1948 in Van Buren, MO. She preceded him in death on March 3, 2014. They made their home on South Maple Street in Commerce, Ok where they raised their three children. He served his country in the United States Air Force from 1944-1946. He was proud of his military service, serving as a military occupational specialist and tail gunner 611 on an airplane in WWII. He earned an ATO Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and WWII Victory Medal. He also served as a sergeant 370 in the 4th Army Air Force base unit. After leaving the military, Claude attended the St. Louis Auto Body School in 1948. He opened Piggs Auto Body in Commerce, OK in the 1960's. He also worked for the Commerce Public Schools for 11 years. Claude was a proud member of the Commerce Masonic Lodge #143, serving as master of this great organization for over 3 terms, for a total of over 50 years of lodge membership. He was also a member of the Scottish Rite Lodge and earned the honor of becoming a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason. He loved his family most of all. He also enjoyed the outdoors by hunting, fishing, and riding his dune buggy many years ago. His laugh and smile were known all over Commerce, OK. He was a member of the Commerce Assembly of God Church. Claude is preceded in death by his wife; his parents; 2 sisters, Pearl Huffstedler and Helen Thompson; and one brother, Paul Pigg. He is survived by one son, Gary Pigg of Commerce, OK; two daughters, Claudette Shira and husband Kim of Baxter Springs, KS, and Brenda Conner and husband Allen of Commerce, OK; three siblings, Carl Pigg of Saratoga, WY, Ann Thompson of Delores, CO, and Ruby Griffen of Holden, MO; 7 granddaughters, Chantell Rather of Columbus, KS, Diane Maynard of Rolla, MO, Tisha Melnicki of Fayetteville, AR, Twyla Kerley of Miami, OK, Tina Karnes of Quapaw, OK, Chandy Turner of Quapaw, OK, and Summer Foy of Joplin, MO; 17 great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and a host of friends. A visitation will be held Tuesday, July 28, 2015 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Paul Thomas Funeral Home in Commerce, OK. Masonic Rites will be held during these times. Funeral Service honoring Claude will be held Wednesday, July 29, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at the Commerce Assembly of God Church with Pastor Howie Moss officiating. Pallbearers will be Dusty Karnes, Billy Kerley, Blake Rather, Pete Melnicki, Devin Turner, and Dr. Greg Maynard. Honorary pallbearers will be Austin Karnes, Kaid Karnes, Jayden Rather, Dayton McIntosh, Landon Maynard, and Jace Rather. Burial will follow at Glen-Abbey Memorial Gardens, east of Miami. Military Rites will be conducted by the VFW Post #147, Miami, OK.
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