Claude Lawrence Northcutt

Claude L. Northcutt of Levelland passed away Monday, September 20, 2010. Funeral services will be at 3:00pm, Thursday, September 23, 2010 at the First Nazarene Church in Levelland with Rev. Harold Harrison of Whiteface, Texas and Rev. Brent Scoggins of Morton, Texas, officiating. Interment will follow in City of Levelland Cemetery under direction of George Price Funeral Home.

Claude was born on November 8, 1915 in Fannin County, Texas to William Pinkney and Nancy Ann Moore Northcutt. He married Thelma Mae Taylor on December 24, 1938 in Durant, Oklahoma. She preceded him in death in 2004. He was a beloved and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle and friend.

He graduated from Bethany Peniel College Cum Laude as he received his degree in Theology in May 1947. During his years at Bethany, he played on the basketball team. He was ordained in 1950 as a minister in the Nazarene Church in the Abilene District. He was a charter member of the Levelland Church and was a very devoted member since 1959 until his death. A man of dignity, he pastored in Galena Park, Texas, Ropesville, Texas, Dumas, Texas, Hereford, Texas and ended his career as a pastor in 1963 in Levelland. Claude began teaching in the Levelland School District in 1959 to supplement his income as a pastor. He retired in 1988 to be the caretaker of his beloved wife of 65 years.

He received numerous awards for his accomplishments such as Nazarene Distinguished Service Award, the McMurray award for upholding excellent academic standards and service. He also received many honors during his tenure in the local school system. He was head of the English Department, sponsor of Student Council and Senior class sponsor. In 1966, the El Lobo was dedicated to Mr. Northcutt. His most prized award was the Lobo Legend of Levelland High School. He was the president of the Levelland Classroom Teachers Association, the Texas State Teachers Association and he was a proud sponsor to the Association of Student Council in the school district.

The fact that many former students asked Mr. Northcutt to perform their marriage ceremony bespeaks the esteem of the popular teacher.

He was preceded in death by his parents: William P. Northcutt and Nancy Ann Northcutt, three brothers: Willie, Johnny and Henry and three sisters: Edna, Lois, Lillie and a grandson: Van Hulse.

Survivors include his children: Wayne and Pat Northcutt of Levelland, Texas; Carol and Ernest Ruthardt of Morton, Texas; Gary and Kay Northcutt of Lubbock, Texas and Beth and Danny Young of Yukon, Oklahoma; a sister: Odell Northcutt of Bonham, Texas; and a brother, Emmett Northcutt, Temple, Texas; nine grandchildren and their spouses: Rhonda and Dr. Charles Benham of San Angelo, Texas; LaTonna and Darin Yates of Wolfforth, Texas; Melissa and Rusty Trull of Morton, Texas; Reece and Lisa Northcutt of Smyer, Texas; Jo Beth and Justin Donaldson of Snyder, Texas; Julie and John Earhart of Hobbs, New Mexico; Darla and David Bailey of Houston, Danee’ and Stephen Link of Norman, Oklahoma; Mica and Isaac Cannady of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and sixteen great- grandchildren: Michael, Jessica, Kaitlan, Dustin, Connor, Macy, Alissa, Baleigh, Scyelar, Alaina, Corey, Caleb, Brayden, Garrett, Kaci Jo, and Olive and numerous nieces and nephews.

For those who wish to make donations, the family requests Hospice of Lubbock, the Alzheimer’s Association or to the the Children’s Center, Bethany, Oklahoma 73088.

The family will receive visitors at the funeral home from 7:00 pm until 9:00 pm, Wednesday, September 22, 2010.

To share with the family in celebrating Mr. Northcutt’s life, go to www.georgepricefunerals.com.

In happiness and sorrow, Mr. Northcutt will be dearly missed.