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 through third-grade.

At the age of 10 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 to 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 seen driving around Tryon. He strived for perfection in 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 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Park Brothers Funeral Home in Chandler.

Graveside services will be Thursday at 2:00 p.m. at Tryon Cemetery with Brother Pete Windiate officiating.