Claude N. VanNess

Claude N. VanNess, 94, of Martin, Ohio, went to be with his Lord Sunday July 11, 2021, in his home, just 2 days short of his 95th birthday.  He was born in Gibsonburg, Ohio on Tuesday, July 13, 1926, the son of Jesse L. and Hattie M. (Moll) VanNess.  On May 14, 1949, in Genoa, Ohio, he married Darlene M. (Barrett) and she preceded him in death on September 10, 2007.
Claude was a dedicated and hardworking man who worked long hours as a consummate carpenter, contractor and farmer.  His attention to detail in everything he touched was a tribute to his character.  He built many homes and additions over the years including his own home he built with the help of his brothers.  Teaching his craft and the satisfaction of a job well done was always part of his daily life.  Claude was a member of St. John’s United Church of Christ where he served on the Elderlife Board, was an usher for many years and built altars for the classrooms.  He was a former Boy Scout leader for 10+ years for Troop 399 and loved to fish for perch and walleye on Lake Erie; every chance he could.    He loved to work on his farm in Gibsonburg and in his yard at home, growing vegetables and flowers.
Claude was a proud veteran of WWII, serving in the US Army.  He entered the service at age 17, and his service took him to many areas of conflict including, Germany, Italy, Austria, Switzerland and Poland.  His unit was one of the first to liberate the German concentration camp of Dachau, in Poland in 1945.  Claude was a 70+ year member of the Genoa American Legion Post #324 and several years ago he was blessed to travel with Honor Flight to Washington, DC.
Claude is survived by his sons, Tom (Dawn) VanNess, Jerry (Doris) VanNess, John (Susan) VanNess, Terry VanNess, daughter, Claudia (Doug) VanSickle, 9 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and sister, Dorothy.  He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Darlene, and siblings, Viola, Lula, Margarete, Martha, Florence, Clara Ellen, Harold, Jesse, Paul, Charles and Dale.
A graveside service will be conducted at 11 AM, Friday, July 23, 2021, at West Union Cemetery, Gibsonburg, Ohio.  The American Legion Post #324, of Genoa, will be providing a full military honor at the gravesite.  Immediately following the graveside service, family and friends are invited to Sandusky County Sportsmen’s Club II, 3950 OH-600, Gibsonburg, Ohio 43431 for a time of fellowship along with a light luncheon.  The family is being assisted by the Robinson-Walker Funeral Home & Crematory of Genoa, Ohio.  Those wishing to offer a memorial contribution may do so to the Wounded Warrior Project, 230 W. Monroe St., Suite 200, Chicago, IL 60606 or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105.  Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com

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