Claude E. Baston

Claude Earl Baston, age 88, of Iantha, Missouri passed away at 12:10 a.m. Sunday, July 19, 2009 at Barton County Memorial Hospital.      Claude was born February 4, 1921 in Barton County to George and Laura Blanchard Baston.  As a young man during the hardships of the depression, Claude worked in the C.C. Camps and was involved in the construction of Swan Lake in northern Missouri. Claude served in the U.S. Army during World War II.  He was awarded four bronze stars for his service under General George Patton in the African, Sicilian, Italian, French and German Theatres.  He was a patriotic lifetime member of the Lamar V.F.W. Post 3691.  Returning home to Iantha after World War II, Claude joined the REA where he helped to provide electrical service to rural areas.  Claude then worked as the foreman of the Barton County Rock Asphalt Company.  After 27 years with this company, a workplace accident left him disabled and led to his early retirement. As an avid outdoorsman, Claude enjoyed hunting and fishing.  In the spring he looked forward to working in his garden and enjoyed any activities he could share with his children and grandchildren.  Claude enjoyed many hobbies, but playing the steel guitar and fiddle were among his favorites.   Survivors include his wife, Catherine “Katy” Baston, of the home, a son and daughter-in-law, Rick & Charlotte Baston, Birch Tree, Missouri; two daughters, Susie Baston Marti, Iantha and Pat Baston Corser, Austin, Texas; two sisters, Mary Moser, Iantha and Ruby Worley, Lamar; nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.    A graveside funeral service was held at 10: a.m. Tuesday, July 21 at the Iantha Cemetery with Rev. Lee Shaver officiating. Katy Corser, Cheyenne Hunziker, Vanessa Sturbberg, Cade Marti, Laura Johnson, Cody Marti and Ginger Marti served as honorary pallbearers.  Military honors were conducted by Lamar VFW Post 3691.   Memorial contributions are suggested to the Lamar VFW Post 3691 in care of Daniel Funeral Home.