Claude Suarez III

Claude was born on February 25, 1950 in Houston, TX to Claude G. and Eva C. Suarez. He grew up in Houston, Texas and graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School in 1968. After high school, Claude attended San Jacinto Community College and The University of Houston. During the height of the Vietnam War, he voluntarily enlisted into the United States Army in 1969. He served his country from 1969 until 1972 as a combat medic. Claude worked in the Army hospital at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri and then travelled to Vietnam with the second Battalion 7th Calvary, a part of the 1st Calvary Division. Upon his return from service, he married Mary Theresa Webber in 1971. They were married for 18 years and had three kids: John Claude, Christina, and Marcus Suarez.

He began working with Santa Fe Trucking where he fell in love with the open road as a truck driver and a member of the Teamsters Union. He shared his passion of hauling freight and cars across the country with his "tales of the road" that his kids often looked forward to hearing upon his return. Claude was a loving man who found solace in simplicity and had the spirit of a mountain man. He loved backpacking in the mountains and often spoke of his favorite place, Big Bend National Park, where he requested his ashes to be placed. He was a loyal fan of the Houston Astros and loved baseball. Claude could often be found watching a game or sitting close to the radio to catch every play.

Preceded in death by: father: Claude G. Suarez, Jr., mother: Eva C. Suarez, sisters: Nora S. Cerda, Delia C. Salinas, Delia C. Durham, Brothers: Arthur J. "Artie" Suarez, Anthony J."Tony" Suarez. Claude is survived by his son: John Claude (Jennifer) Suarez, Deer Park, TX., daughter: Christina Marie (Dominic) Suarez, Austin, TX., son: Marcus George (Farrah) Suarez, Houston, TX., & their Mother: Theresa Webber Broomes, Austin, TX., grandkids: Julia Suarez, Liam McRee, Lauren Suarez, Brianna Moore, Dennis Montoya, Ryan Montoya, Michael Finch, John-Ryan Suarez, Jeremy Finch, sisters: Janie Robles, Austin, TX., Adella (Robert) Santos, Austin, TX., Sylvia (Arnulfo) Ramirez, Houston, TX., brother: Joseph A. "Joe" Suarez, Houston, TX., In addition to many family members including aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, as well as extended family and many dear friends.

A Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be Saturday, July 24, 2021 at 10:30 AM in the Grand Chapel of Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home following at 11:00 AM with a Celebration of Life Memorial Service.

Claude will be laid to rest with full Army Military Honors at the Houston National Cemetery later.