Claude Mingus (Seymour)'s Obituary
Claude Oliver Mingus, son of Reverend Jeff and Lillian (Dunkin) Mingus, was born December 17, 1911 in Duncan, Missouri. He departed this life in Glenwood Nursing Home, Seymour, Missouri on Thursday afternoon, May 16, 2013 at the age of One hundred and one years, four months and twenty-nine days.
Born and raised in the Duncan area, Claude loved to roam the Ozark hills. A graduate from Marshfield High School, Claude was drafted into the United States Navy and faithfully served his country during World War II. After his honorable discharge, Claude returned to Detroit and worked for the auto industry. Then he traveled back and forth from Duncan to St. Louis, Missouri with his brother John to work at the Ford Company.
On June 9, 1962, he was united in marriage to Velda May Smith, and together they shared thirty-seven years. They moved to the Seymour area were Claude became known for his skill at carpentry and he worked in maintenance for the Seymour School district until his retirement.
Claude accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age, and he held dear to his faith through the many trials of his life. He was a member of the Seymour First Baptist Church and served his Lord by serving his family, his neighbors, and his country. A member of the Webster County Veterans Memorial Association, he honored many of the areas soldiers. In 2011, Claude traveled to Washington D. C. with the Honor’s Flight to see the World War II memorial. A humble man with a true servant’s heart, Claude never sought recognition. It is that spirit that lead others to follow him, and to honor his achievements. Claude held the distinct title of the oldest citizen of Seymour, as well as the oldest World War II Veteran of Webster County. He saw many things change over his one hundred years, but the truth of God’s favor in his life remained the same.
Music was a source of joy for Claude, talented in playing guitar, fiddle and banjo. Never to be found idle he spent countless hours over the years growing tomatoes and his famous watermelons. But he was at his happiest surrounded by his family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife Velda; his son Jim Donaldson; and his brother John Mingus.
Claude is survived by his daughter Judy Oberbeck and husband Dean of Seymour, Missouri; 8 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; several close nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other dear family and friends.
God, Country, and Family; not just words but the way Claude Mingus lived his life. He leaves a legacy of love, faith and service that will stand the test of time. We celebrate his life and accomplishments and will cherish the loving memories he created for us all. His family and friends can take comfort from the true in our Lord Jesus Christ that we will one day meet again.
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