Claude Carson Firth
Claude Carson Firth passed away, peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, September 17th, 2023.
Claude was born on February 18, 1926 in Smackover, Arkansas to Theodore and Thelma (Hood) Firth. At the age of 15, he began working on oil rigs with his father. By the age of 17 he had enlisted in the Navy to fight in WWII. He served on board the USS Guadalupe AO 32 until his honorable discharge in 1947. During his service, Claude received 10 battle stars, a WWII Victory Medal, several Campaign Ribbons, and achieved the rank of Master of Arms.
When he returned from the war, Claude worked at a variety of jobs...truck driver, potato harvester, Kirby Vacuum salesman, co-owner of the Monterey Inn in Midland, Texas, and eventually returning to work in the oilfield.
In August of 1961, he met Mary Sue Lambert, and they were married on September 24, 1961. They had two daughters, Claudette (Firth) Waddingham and Suzette (Firth) Moore.
In 1973, he moved his family to El Toro, California where he started work for his brother, George, as a drywall taper. He soon became one of the best in the field. Years later, in 1984, Claude moved to Avalon, California on Catalina Island where he continued working as a drywall finisher until 2006 when he retired at the age of 80.
In September of 2014 Claude was able to go on the first Permian Basin Honor Fight to Washington DC. He was deeply honored to be able to visit the WWII Memorial and see the capital of the country he fought for and so dearly loved.
Claude was preceded in death by his parents, brother George, and his wife Mary Sue.
Claude is survived by his daughters: Claudette, and husband Dr. Rand Waddingham of Andrews, Texas; and Suzette, and husband Greg Moore of Lubbock, Texas. He is also survived by grandchildren: Christie Bliss of Lubbock, Texas; Allan Linzy of Midland, Texas; Brian Linzy of Lathrup Village, Michigan; and David Clegg of Midland, Texas. Lindsay Pickerel, Mark Baugh, Matthew Waddingham, Thomas Waddingham, Carol Clegg; eight great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service, with full military honors, will be held at 1pm on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at McNett Funeral Home in Andrews, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family lovingly asks you to make a donation to Permian Basin Honor Flight in Claude’s name.
Information on how to donate can be found at: permianbasinhonorflight. org or mailed to: Permian Basin Honor Flight PO Box 52890 Midland, TX 79710-2890
