Donald Edward Claude

Donald Edward Claude, 98, of Plainfield, IL, formerly of Poplar Grove, IL, Bel-Air Airport, passed away peacefully Monday, December 16, 2024, at his home. He was born March 30, 1926, in Dekalb, IL. The son of Edward and Annabel (Kain) Claude. Donald served our country in the United States Army, Air Core, and Air Force during World War II and the Korean Conflict. He married the love of his life, Betty Jeannett Meyers July 3, 1954 in Dekalb, IL. He was a Union H-VAC Technician and worked at NIU in Dekalb. He was a member of the Poplar Grove Wings and Wheels Museum and the Vintage Aero Club. Don enjoyed flying his plane at Poplar Grove Airport, and his model airplane club. In his younger years he was a car and motorcycle enthusiast. He is loved and will be missed by his nieces, Linda Thomas, Penelope Campbell, Rene Trahan; nephews, Tim (Carol) Burd, Perry Keating, Pepper Keating; great nieces, Rachel Burd, Alyssa Trahan; great nephews, Trent Trahan, Quinn Trahan; special caregivers, Bill Peterhans and Kady Alexander. He was preceded in death by his parents, beloved wife of 70 years, Betty; sister, Evelyn; nephews, Roger Thomas, Roy Thomas, Charlie Nelson, Barry Burd; niece Venitia Thomas. There will be a visitation from 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. Saturday, December 21, 2024, at the Belvidere Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Belvidere, IL. A funeral service will begin at 11:00 A.M. Interment in Belvidere Cemetery in Belvidere, IL. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the Alzheimer's Association. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.belviderfh.com.