Claude Thomas, age 89, passed away on Sunday May 31, 2009 at Divine Savior Healthcare in Portage. He was born in Red River County, Texas on November 15, 1919 the son of the late Herbert and Willie Mae (St. Claire) Thomas. He married Betty Jane Connelly on November 11, 1944. She preceded him in death on July 21, 1977. Claude was a United States veteran having served in the Army in Germany.
He was employed by Oscar Meyer for over 35 years. He loved the outdoors, gardening, hunting, fishing and the Green Bay Packers.

Survived by his children: Billie (Sandra) of Portage,
Stevie (Janet) of Poynette,
Gail (Rocco) Sylvester of Portage,
Perry Thomas of Portage ,
Bonita Palmer of Merrimac.
10 Grandchildren: heather (Dominic) Mickelson, Holly (Brad) Sigley, Lacey (Dan) Thomas, Seth (Sarah) Thomas, Melanie (Travis) Spencer, Rocco (Angie) Jr. Sylvester, Tyler Palmer, Ryan (Amber) Palmer, Casey (Jessica) Palmer and Brandon Palmer.
6 great grandchildren.
1 Brother: Herman (Lois) Thomas.
He was preceded in death by his second wife Florence"June" , and 2 sons Davey and Eric Thomas.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday June 4, 2009 , at the HOOVERSON FUNERAL HOME, Sauk City. Military Rites will be conducted by the Lachmund Cramer VFW Post 7694. Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday from12:30 p.m. until the time of the service. A luncheon will immediately follow at the Merrimac Conservation Club. Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park, Madison.