Claude F. Hinkle

Claude Faybert Hinkle, Sr., 84, passed away peacefully at his residence Aug. 21, 2011.

Claude was born in Bee County, Texas, to Dr. J.B. and Ora Ann Elliott Hinkle, on July 23, 1927.

He was preceded in death by his parents and seven older siblings.

Claude moved to Lockhart at the age of 14 with his mother. He graduated from Lockhart High School and joined the Merchant

Marines at 16, then spent two years aboard a ship that sailed around the world.

After this, Claude entered the Marine Corp and served in World War II. Just before his eighteenth birthday, after his service to his country, he went to engineering school at Rutgers University in New Jersey.

Upon returning to Lockhart he worked various jobs. Claude had a love for law enforcement and land surveying. He was a Deputy Sheriff and County Surveyor for all of Caldwell County.

Claude was married to Linda and lived in the Clark’s Chapel community with her and her mother, Ginger. Claude’s passions were fishing, land surveying, and being “Popa Claude” to his grandchildren and many other loves of his life that needed to have a “Popa.”

Claude is survived by his wife, Linda and his nine children: Claude, Jr. (“Skip”), Deborah Ann, Mary Beth, John Elliott, Peggy Sue, Ann-Margret, Rebecca Lynn, Jerry and Wendy.

A visitation was held from 5 – 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2011, at Eeds Funeral Home. A graveside service was held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2011, at Clark’s Chapel Cemetery, Caldwell County with speaker Judge Michael McCormick officiating.

Serving as pallbearers were: Ken Cox, Gary Dalton, Earl Hagan, Larry Burditt, Rojo Rawlinson and Larry Patton. Honorary pallbearer was Lewis Burnett Taylor. Arrangements with Eeds Funeral Home, 408 S. Main St., Lockhart, Texas. (512) 398-2343.