Claude Wallace Chisum passed away peacefully early Thursday morning, November 19, 2009 at the Arbors in Sparks, Nevada with his family and friends with him during his last few days. He was 85.

Born on July 8, 1924 to Fred and Emma (Ruggles) Chisum in Miami, Texas. Claude grew up in the 'Pan Handle' of Texas where his family had many sections of farmland. Claude was proud of the Chisum heritage in Texas that dates back to the early 1800's and the hardships that his family survived in settling throughout Texas. Claude himself is a survivor of both the 'Dust Bowl' and the Great Depression. He recalled the years of destruction and the affects that both of those events had on him and his family and friends' lives. Preserving these hardships shaped him into the successfull business and family man that he became.

At 17 years old he enlisted in the US Army and was stationed in Tonopah, Nevada where he met the love of his life, Hazel Arigoni. they were married on april 8, 1943, just before being shipped overseas during World War II. Upon returning from two years overseas, he and Hazel lived in Pampa, Texas before moving and making their lives in Yerington, Nevada where Hazel's family moved from Tonopah during the war years. Claude started his own construction business and built many residential homes in Mason and Smith Valleys as well as many businesses including banks, restaurants, the jail and an addition to the County Courthouse.

Claude was active in his community. He joined the Lion's Club in 1968 and became a life member in 1993. He loved the annual Kid's Day events the Lions Club put on for the July 4th celebration and chaired that event for several years. He played guitar with some of his friends to entertain the senior citzens and residence in the long term care unit. He was very proud of the success that the Lyon Counsel on alcohol and Other Drugs that he founded in 1973 had become as a successful alternative program from jail for those suffering from addiction.

Claude was a firm believer in hard work and proved that by working six and seven days a week. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and playing his guitar. He loved his family and treasured family gatherings, especially when he could be playing his guitar to his grandkids.

Claude is survived by his wife of 66 years, Hazel Chisum; his son James and his wife Kail Chisum; his grandsons, Jimmy (Kellie) Chisum and Josh Chisum; his great grandson, Cody Hampel and great granddaughters, Katie Chisum, Stacey and Stephanie Hampell al of Yerington; granddaughter Shawna (Mike) Howard and great grandsons, Logan and Lucas Howard of Reno; granddaughter, Charissa Rumel and great grandaughter, Olivia Rumel of Tacoma, WA; his brother, Edward (Janie) Chisum of Yerington; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Ralph, Archie, Marion, Don and Von and his sister, Lea Chisum all of Texas.

Claude's funeral service will be held 11:00 am Monday, November 23rd at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 600 North Oregon Street Yerington. A visitation will be held Sunday evening, 6 - 8:00 pm at the Freitas Rupracht Funeral Home 25 Hwy 208 Yerington. Burial will be in the family plot at the Valley View Cemetery. A gathering will be held after the service at Casino West Convention Center.

Family and Friends may sign the online guest book at www.FRFH.net

Arrangements are under the direction of Freitas Rupracht Funeral Home, Yerington (775) 463-2911.

Donations may be made in his name to the Lyon Counsel of Alcohol and Other Drugs 215 W. Bridge Street Yerington, NV 89447 or the Yerington Lion's Club C/O Ace Hardware 119 W. Bridge Street Yerington, NV 89447