Claude French

Claude Hamilton French, well-known businessman died on the morning of November 28, 2006, after a long illness. Born May 7, 1927, at the home in Allensville, he was the son of the late Harry and Vicey Brannon French. Three brothers, Walter, Paul, and Clyde French and one sister, Violet Risinger, also preceded him in death. Other family members included a brother, Robert French of Hedgesville, and three sisters, Elsie Piccolomini of Martinsburg, Polly Risinger of Hedgesville, and Betty Tucker of Kearneysville. Donna Jean Baker, his wife of fifty-five years, a son Steve French and wife, Regina; two daughters, Cheryl Whitcomb and husband Mike, Jan Kidwell and husband, Jay; five grandchildren, Dennyl and husband Jack Beadling, Christopher Enns,Camilla and husband Tommy Rebuck, Bretly and wife, Krista Kidwell, and Alex Kidwell; and five great-grandchildren survive Mr. French. In his early years, Claude attended the Allensville School and helped out on the family farm. A World War II veteran, he entered military service in 1945 and served overseas with a Marine battalion stationed in Tientsin, China. After completing a two-year stint in the Corps, of which he was especially proud, he returned home and worked a variety of jobs. In 1961, Mr. French was seriously injured in a fall during the construction of a Capitol cement plant in Stronach, Michigan. After a long recuperation, he returned to work. In the summer of 1967, Claude built a service station on his property in Johnsontown and that September 26 went into business. He was the owner-operator for thirty nine years. Mr. French was a member of Johnsontown Bible Church. In his lifetime, Claude was an accomplished carpenter, meticulous gardener, skilled mechanic, and an expert marksman. He enjoyed telling stories of the old days, watching boxing and pro wrestling, and was great fan of the Detroit Tigers. He was an honest, hard-working man who will be greatly missed by his family and many friends. Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 1, 2006 at 11:00AM at the Johnsontown Bible Church with Pastor L. Jack Rudy officiating. Interment will be in Allensville Cemetery. Family will receive friends on Thursday from 2:00PM to 4:00PM and 7:00PM to 9:00PM at the Johnsontown Bible Church. Memorial contributions may be made to Johnsontown Bible Church,P.O. Box 301, Hedgesville, WV 25427, Martinsburg Union Rescue Mission, 602 W. King Street, Martinsburg, WV 25401 or Hospice of the Panhandle, 122 Waverly Court, Martinsburg, WV 25403.