Claud Raymond Gazaway

Claud Raymond Gazaway, long time Tryon resident, departed this life on Monday, March 8, 2010 in Stillwater, Oklahoma at the age of 86 years. Claud was born July 3, 1925 in Cushing, Oklahoma to William Lewis and Agnes Melissa (King) Gazaway. He grew up on a farm two miles west of Tryon. He attended both Pleasant Valley and Red Mound schools thru third grade. At the age of ten, he went to work for Charlie Masters, a local veterinarian, from whom he learned valuable work ethics he would use the rest of his life. In July of 1947, he was united in marriage to Esther Radke. To this union a son, Raymond Claud, was born. Esther pre-deceased him in February, 1950. In March of 1950, he moved with her family to Fontana, California where he worked as an egg grader at a local poultry farm. In August of 1953, he returned to Tryon, Oklahoma and went to work for Home Lumber Company as a delivery driver, salesman, and builder. On December 1, 1953, he was united in marriage to Annabel Breeden in Perkins, Oklahoma. To this union a daughter, Martha Anna, was born. In 1977, he started his own construction business specializing in roofing homes. He built, remodeled, and roofed many homes in Lincoln and Payne counties. He was a member of the Assembly of God church. After his retirement he mowed lawns for exercise and he and Annabel were often see driving around Tryon. He strived for perfection everything he set out to accomplish. He was always there to help anyone in need. In his later years, his grandchildren were the joy of his life and he and Annabel spent countless hours with them. Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Annabel of the home; one son and daughter-in law, Raymond and Cathy Gazaway of Stillwater; one daughter and son-in law, Martha and Aaron Huckabay of Stillwater; one brother, Charley Gazaway of Ponca City; seven grandchildren ,four great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and many friends and family. Viewing will be Wednesday from 8am to 9pm at Parks Brothers Funeral Home in Chandler. Graveside services will be Thursday at 2pm at Tryon Cemetery with Brother Pete Windiate officiating.