Makin, Claude Johnson born on May 23, 1924 passed away December 13, 2013 at the

age of 89. He lived in Lake Forest, CA and passed away near his home due to an

automobile accident. He is survived by his four children, Claude Makin, Jr.

(wife Sherrie), Steve Makin (wife Cathy), Linda Garza (husband Dave), and Sandra

Jo Makin; eight grandchildren, Matthew, Michael, Giselle, Genevieve, Mark, Linda

Jo, Claudia, and Christopher; and six great grandchildren, Anthony, De'Andre,

Jay'La, CJ, Anthony, Christina, Skyler, Alexis and Dylan. He was predeceased by

his older brother, John.

Claude was born in Grandview, Missouri, the second son of Harold Makin and Sarah

Johnson. After attending Grandview High School, Claude joined the Navy, and

while stationed at Santa Ana LTA, he met and married the love of his life,

Carmen Moss. They were married 29 years and remained best friends until the day

he died. Following the end of World War II, Claude was discharged from the Navy

and returned with Carmen to Grandview, MO, where they bought their first home.

By this time, Claude Jr. and Steve had been born, but Claude and Carmen decided

that they preferred the Navy life, so Claude re-enlisted. With his re-enlistment

began a life of moving from state to state every few years and many new homes,

friends and schools, along with the addition of Linda and Sandra Jo. Claude flew

blimps for the Navy off the coast of the US during WWII, once spotting an Axis

submarine; when he re-enlisted, he continued to fly blimps. After being caught

flying a blimp in a violent storm and being forced to make an emergency landing

in Bermuda, Claude decided it was time to stop flying. He then went into Public

Relations and Training for the Navy at NAS Los Alamitos and NAS Dallas. After

retiring from the Navy in 1969, he worked for Crocker Bank as a Branch Manager

until he retired at age 60. He then spent 19 years as a playground and noon

supervisor at Gates Elementary, where he was known as "Grandpa Claude." Finally,

after a couple of years off, he volunteered at Heritage Christian School in Lake

Forest until he was 88 years old! He was affectionately known there as "Mr.

Claude."

Claude was active in the Knights of Columbus, ushered at Santiago de Compostela

Catholic Church, and went to Costco at least twice a week to get his "Costco

fix"! He had a strong faith in Christ, which manifested itself in everything he

did. He truly became an ambassador of Christ to countless people. He never met a

child he couldn't hug; his greatest joy was working with children.

Visitation: Wednesday, December 18, 5-9 p.m. at McCormick & Son Mortuary Chapel.

Vigil: 7 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial

Thursday, December 19, 11a.m. at Santiago Catholic Church

Interment with Military Honors

Thursday, December 19, after Mass at Ascension Cemetery

Reception

Thursday, December 19, after interment at Santiago Catholic Church