Claude D. Horsman

ST. JOSEPH – Claude D. Horsman, 84, of St. Joseph passed away surrounded by family on Tuesday (Nov. 4, 2014) at home.

Claude was born Sept. 21, 1930, in Fisher, the son of Ray L. Horsman and Mollie (Evans) Horsman. On July 18, 1954, he married Alice Cracker in Mahomet. She survives. He later married Ruth I. (Craddock) Thomas on Aug. 2, 1964, in Urbana. She preceded him in death on Nov. 19, 1993, after 29 years of marriage.

He left high school in the 10th grade to work for the family business, Horsman Trucking.

Claude served his country with honor three years in the National Guard then federalized with one year of service in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After returning home from the war, he resumed working for Horsman Trucking.

He later started hauling milk for the J.M. Jones Co. in Urbana. He later transferred to their maintenance department. He retired from SuperValu (J.M. Jones Co.) after 25 years as the working supervisor of the maintenance department.

He was a founding member of the Edge-Scott Fire Protection District in Urbana. Claude served as fire chief for one year until a new fire chief could be found to keep the Edge-Scott FPD fully functional. He was also the president of the board during the time the Edge-Scott FPD converted from a corporation to a district.

Claude was a member of American Legion Post 634, St. Joseph.

He enjoyed many years of camping with his family. In his younger years, he enjoyed hunting, especially pheasant hunting. He was happiest when he was working on something and fixing it for others or himself.

Despite not having a high school diploma or an equivalency of such, that never stopped him from learning or achieving knowledge in HVAC, electrical, plumbing, welding, carpentry, locksmithing and anything mechanical. He wouldn't own anything he couldn't work on or fix himself. Claude was always willing to offer his knowledge or a helping hand.

Claude is survived by a brother, Virgil Horsman of Suwannee, Fla.; a sister, Grace Brucker of Sibley; five children, Claude (Marilyn) Horsman Jr. of Belvidere, Robert Horsman of McHenry, Elizabeth (Arlyn) Roush of Woodstock, Mary Lane of White Heath and Amy (Corey) Keller of St. Joseph; one stepson, Jeffery (Sandra)Thomas of Veedersburg, Ind.; 14 grandchildren; two stepgrandchildren; six great-grandchildren; five step-great-grandchildren; three nieces; and one nephew.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Ruth; one stepdaughter, Karen Thomas; one stepgrandson, Jake Seyller; a brother, Denzil Horsman; and three infant brothers.

A visitation will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday at Joines-Appleby Funeral Home in Newman. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home. Burial will be held in Woodlawn Cemetery in Indianola, with military rites.

Joines-Appleby Funeral Home of Newman is in charge of arrangements.