Julian Forrest Claunch

JULIAN FORREST "JUDE" CLAUNCH, well known resident of the Oakland Community and retired General Manager for Cargill, Inc. of Oakland, died at 11:59 P.M. Tuesday, November 27, 2007 at his Oakland residence on Deer Cove. He was 90 years of age and died following an extended illness.

Funeral services for Mr. Claunch were conducted at 10 A.M. Friday, November 30th at the Oakland First Baptist Church with Rev. Carl Meyer, Pastor of the church, officiating. Interment, with Military recognition, followed in the Fayette County Memorial Park Cemetery on Highway 64 at Oakland. Arrangements were provided by Peebles Fayette County Funeral Home-West Chapel.

Mr. Claunch was born February 13, 1917 in Altus, OK, the son of the late Reuben A. Claunch and the late Louada Miller Claunch. He was educated in the Oklahoma Public school system and was a former resident of Texas before moving to Fayette County in 1969 to manage the Cargill Corporation offices at Oakland.

He was married August 11, 1961 to the former Zula Rhodes, a native of Arkansas and a local newspaper columnist before her retirement, who survives.

Mr. Claunch was a devoted member of the First Baptist Church at Oakland where he served in numerous positions of leadership including Sunday School Director and as a Deacon. He was in charge for many years for the placement of religious messages and thoughts that were displayed on the church outdoor sign. He was a responsible member of his community who found much enjoyment in helping others in their time of need without thought of personal gain or recognition.

Mr. Claunch served in the United States Army as a young person and was a member of the Somerville Country Club where he was an avid golpher as long as health permitted. He will be long remembered for his Christian principles and devotion to his wife, family and church.

In addition to his wife he is survived by two daughters, Mary Dell Harvey of Sapulpa, OK and Deborah Hailey of Oakland; two sons, Forrest A. Claunch of Oklahoma City, OK and Howard J. Welch of Cumberland Plateau, TN; three sisters, Nell Larkin, Betty Crable and Martha Doss, all of Pampa, TX; eleven grandchildren and a number of great and great-great grandchildren.

Those honored to serve as casketbearers were church and Sunday School members of the Oakland First Baptist Church.

The family request that Memorials be directed to the Oakland First Baptist Church Scholarship Fund, 8695 Hwy. 64, Somerville, TN 38068-(901) 465-9346.