CSM Claude Edward Meade, age 80, of Poplar Lane, Morehead, passed away Monday, April 13, 2020, at St. Claire HealthCare following an extended illness.
He was born October 9, 1939, in Floyd County and was the son of the late William Madison and Pearl Spivey Meade. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Joe and Charles Meade, and three sisters, Douglas Sanders, Olga McDavid, and Betty Cardnall. Surviving is one sister, Gertrude Chateauvert of Taylor, Michigan.
Claude is also survived by his wife of 52 years, Roberta Moore Meade, whom he married March 30, 1968; one daughter, Shawn Meade Justice and husband John of Morehead; and one son, Claude Wesley (Wes) Meade and wife Kim of Port Charlotte, Florida. He is also survived by one granddaughter, Brittney Justice Smith and husband Matthew of Cincinnati, Ohio; and three grandsons, Madison Justice and wife Cameron of Morehead and Zach and Zane Meade of Port Charlotte, Florida. In his last days, he was brought special joy by his great-granddaughter, Ella Blue Smith.
Claude joined the Army in 1957 and spent 10 years of active duty, including two tours in the Vietnam War, and another 19 years in the Army Reserve. During his military career he was awarded many medals and ribbons, including the Bronze Star, Army Achievement Badge and Combat Air Crewman Wings. He attained the rank of Command Sergeant Major (CSM), the highest enlisted rank.
While serving in the Army Reserve, Claude attained his BS degree in 1971 and master’s degree in 1972. During this time, he founded the Morehead State University Student Veterans Club. He was cadet commander and a founding member of MSU’s Army ROTC program.
His involvement in military organizations continued throughout his lifetime. Claude served as a member of the Executive Board of Corbie Ellington Post 126 for 40 years, serving twice as commander and many years as the finance officer. He was a founding member of the Post 126 Honor Guard. He was a founding member of the Rowan County Veterans Foundation serving on the Veterans Wall and Veterans Park Committees. He was a volunteer for Kentucky Boys State for 20 years and served on the Executive Committee for five years. In addition to his service on committees and boards, Claude was instrumental in establishing the VA Clinic in Morehead and spent many hours assisting local veterans and their families by driving them to their VA appointments and assisting them with their claims and other matters.
In 2014, Claude was inducted into the Kentucky Veterans Hall of Fame as a member of the inaugural class.
Also an active volunteer in community organizations, Claude was a member of the Phelps Masonic Lodge, Morehead Shrine Club and El Hasa Shrine Temple in Ashland. In these organizations, he held various leadership positions including serving as El Hasa Legion of Honor Commander two years and Legion of Honor International Chief of Staff seven years. He proudly assisted in the laying of the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Washington, DC.
In 1993, Claude retired from Morehead State University where he had been the director of the dial access center in the seventies, curator of government documents, instructor of media, and finally director of circulation at Camden-Carroll Library. He enjoyed spending time with his family and long days on Cave Run Lake.
Due to the COVID-19 regulations set forth by the Governor, a private family graveside service and burial will be held at Ditney Cemetery on Thursday, April 16, 2020, with Rev. Charles Moore officiating. A Celebration of Life with military honors will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children Medical Center, Office of Philanthropy, 110 Conn Terrace, Lexington, KY 40508 or the Corbie Ellington Post 126 American Legion, P. O. Box 58, Morehead, KY 40351.
Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals, 400 Fraley Drive, Morehead, KY 40351 is caring for arrangements.
View memorial tribute or sign guestbook at www.northcuttandson.com
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