CLAUDE L. HOWARD

Claude Lorrain Howard III, age 75, of Golden City, Missouri, passed away on November 29, 2025.

Claude was born on March 3, 1950, in Carthage, Missouri, to Claude Lorrain Howard Jr. and Nadine Loretta (Spence) Howard. He grew up on the family farm west of Golden City and graduated from Golden City High School in 1968. He earned a degree in Psychology from Southwest Missouri State University in 1972.

Claude entered the United States Army on January 29, 1973, serving as a 2nd Lieutenant in Air Defense during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged in 1975 and continued his education at Western Illinois University, completing graduate work toward his Master’s degree in Psychology.

While in graduate school, Claude met Joanne Spellazza, whom he married on May 20, 1978. They shared 47 years together and were blessed with two daughters, Amy and Laura, who preceded him in death at an early age.

Claude’s career took him to many places, including East Moline, Illinois; St. Louis, Missouri; and Princeton, New Jersey, where he worked as a training consultant for Sperry Univac and traveled to England and Germany. Later, he and Joanne moved to the Tampa Bay area of Florida, where their family grew. In time, they returned to Golden City to assist with the family farm and raise their children near Claude’s roots.

In addition to farming, Claude founded Howard Associates, providing computers and training throughout the local area. His work eventually led to a position at Crowder College in Neosho, Missouri, where he became Director of Training and Development, retiring in 2016.

Claude was active in many organizations throughout his life. As a youth, he excelled in 4-H, especially in public speaking. In college, he served as president of the APO Service Fraternity. He later served on the Barton County Economic Development Board and the Dudenville Cemetery Board. He was also a longtime organist and member of First Christian Church of Greenfield, where he taught Sunday School and served as an elder.

Claude loved playing golf and was a longtime member of the Lockwood Golf Course and the Senior Golf League, where he formed many cherished friendships.

Claude is survived by his wife, Joanne; his sister, Nata Selves of Quincy, Illinois; his brother-in-law, Jack Spellazza of St. Louis, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his daughters, Amy and Laura; his parents; two sisters, Luana Nuss and Donna Claudine Anderson; one niece, Linda Ridener; and one nephew, Rick Watts.

Claude was a respected, compassionate man whose presence will be deeply missed.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, December 4, 2025, at First Christian Church of Greenfield. The family will receive friends from 6:00–7:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at Daniel Funeral Home in Lamar.

Memorial contributions are suggested to First Christian Church of Greenfield or donor’s choice, in care of the funeral home.