Claude H. Gore, Jr.

Claude H. Gore, Jr., 77, of Wappapello, Mo., passed away Thursday, Dec. 8, 2016 at Landmark Hospital in Cape Girardeau, Mo.

Claude, the son of the late Claud H. Gore, Sr. and Juanita M. Maltbie Gore, was born July 27, 1939 in Rector, Ark. He was a member of the Church of Christ in Puxico, Mo. and had retired as a salesman with American General Life Insurance Company. Claude was President of the Wappapello Fire Department, where he proudly served as a first responder and was President of Ridgetop Waterworks. Claude was active in community events and was a coordinator for collection of money for the Wappapello fireworks.

He was a member of the Arkansas National Guard, where in the 1960’s he was called to active duty to protect the Little Rock schools during the segregation era. Claude’s greatest love was to spend time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

On Oct. 16, 1959, he married the former Anita J. Holifield at the Church of Christ in Rector, Ark. She survives.

Other survivors include his children, Pamela J. Heaton and husband Tony and Claude “Chip” H. Gore III and wife Sherry all of Wappapello; eight grandchildren, Michael (Rhonda) Heaton, Casey (Jessica) Heaton, Shelby (Cody) Coleman, Logan Gore, Mark Gore, Dawn White, Kathleen Gore and Dylan (Irene) Myers; five great-grandchildren; a sister, Camellia (Keith) Hall; and a brother, J.W. (Judy) Gore.

A sister, Margie Rice and a brother, Marvin Gore also preceded Claude in death.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Wappapello Cotrell Funeral Chapel. The funeral service will begin at 10 a.m. Tuesday in the Wappapello Chapel with Keith Sandlin officiating. Burial will follow at Wappapello Cemetery.