Claude Dale Stegall

During his early childhood years, he lived with his grandmother and uncle on their farms before going to live with his mother in town. He often reflected fondly on just how much he learned from that time living and working on the farms.

During his senior year in high school, Claude met the love of his life, Josie Craig, and a few years later they were wed on April 12, 1952. In the same year, Claude enlisted in the Navy and was assigned to the USS Rochester in a communications role. He was honorably discharged after four years of service, and then Claude and Josie headed for Texas. Claude received his degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Houston, and was inducted into Pi Tau Sigma, the National Engineering Honor Society. It took him nine years to obtain his degree as he worked as a draftsman during the day and attended college in the evenings. Along the way, Claude and Josie had two children—Mark and Kathy, who both live in the Houston area.

Claude and Josie made Pearland their home in 1972 and have lived there ever since. They both loved the area and Claude even volunteered for the Pearland Parks and Recreation Board.

Claude joined an oilfield service company, Tuboscope, while attending college, and after graduation he held progressively larger roles, culminating as the VP of Engineering. He retired in 1991 after a very fulfilling 35-year career with Tuboscope.

Claude’s passions were family, camping, church and, of course, his 1965 Mustang. He and Josie achieved their goal to see all 50 states and camp in most of them – often with friends in the Cool Sam’s Club. Claude and Josie were very active members of their church, First United Methodist Church of Pearland, for over 40 years. They were regulars at the Wednesday Prime Time Social where he loved to play 42, and they enjoyed all of their friends in the Searchlight Sunday school class. Claude spent nine years restoring his 1965 Mustang from an empty hull and boxes of parts, doing everything but the paint job.

Claude was always there to brighten the lives of others. During his later years when he had many physical challenges, he exhibited such grace through it all.

Claude was preceded in death by his mother, Letha Stegall. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Josie Stegall, his two children (Mark Stegall and Kathy Lang), four grandchildren (Rachael Stegall, Jacob Stegall, Julie Lang, and Christine Lang), and eight great-grandchildren.

A visitation for Claude will be held Wednesday, July 6, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church Pearland, located at 2314 N Grand Blvd in Pearland. A funeral service will begin at 10:00 a.m. and a reception to follow. Committal service at 1:00 p.m. at Forest Park East Cemetery, located at 21620 Gulf Freeway in Webster.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared below for the Stegall family.