Claude Henry Dunagan

CLAUDE HENRY DUNAGAN, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, passed away on June 18, 2011 at the age of 92 years. Claude was born at home in Musella, Ga., April 27, 1919, to Ruth and Benjamin Dunagan. He was the second of four children. He began working at the local store as a teenager and continued to love work throughout his life. He graduated from Musella High School in 1937. In 1941, he was drafted into the army during World War II, and luckily one of the places he was stationed was Alliance, Neb., where he met Hazel Jane Fester. They were married on Nov. 18, 1944 and shared their lives for the next 67 years. They raised two children, Benjamin Glen and Claudia Jane. Claude proudly served his country in the United States Army and Air Force for thirty years from 1941 to 1971. He retired at the rank of Senior Master Sargeant at Little Rock Air Force Base, where he continued to serve his country as a civilian employee for another 18 years. To help support his mother after his father died in 1946, Claude began working a second job at a bakery, where he learned one of the great loves of his life — baking and cake decorating. Claude became so fast at cutting donuts that passersby would watch him through the window. Two of those passersby would sometimes be his wife and infant son, who loved to tap on the window to get his attention. For many years, Claude continued to work two jobs. Together he and his wife Hazel labored to make sure that their children were able to attend college and graduate school. Claude was always a quiet, gentle man who was loved and admired by many, not least of whom were his in-laws, to whom he was a devoted son-in-law. He loved to dress well and look sharp, and his wife lovingly ironed his shirts and polished his shoes to make sure that he looked his best. After Claude retired, he enjoyed traveling in the United States with his wife and their friends, caring for his house and yard, helping his neighbors, and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. As he grew older, Claude began to speak more and will be remembered for the zany sense of humor that began to emerge. Those who met him toward the end often commented on how sweet and funny he was. He will be remembered as a hard-working, loving, loyal, and gentle father and husband. His life was humble, and his soul was great. Claude is survived by his wife Hazel; son Benjamin (Lucinda); daughter, Claudia; grandson, Kevin (Jennifer); granddaughter Erica; great-grandchildren Lillie, Luke, Isabella; sister Irene; nieces, nephews; and friends from many walks of life. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Lulabel and Elizabeth. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, June 20, 2011 at Moore's Jacksonville Funeral Home. The family will receive friends again at 10 a.m. with funeral services at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, June 21, 2011 in the chapel of Moore's Jacksonville Funeral Home (501)982-2136. Per his wishes, Claude will be buried at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery. Donations can be made to Paralyzed Veterans of America, PO BOX 758532, Topeka, Kan. 66675-8532. Please sign the online guestbook at www.mooresjacksonvillefuneralhome.com.