Claudell Madison, affectionately known as Claude, answered God’s call on Monday morning, November 12, 2018. He was the oldest child born to Isacc and Etha Lena Madison in Mexia, Texas on May 2, 1934. Both of his parents and sister, Dorothy Lene, preceded him in death.
Claudell always had a love for music and learned to play the piano at age 8. He was the Youth Musician for the Youth Choir at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Corpus Christi, Texas. While attending Solomon Coles High School, Claudell was selected as the Student Choir Director when the teacher wasn’t available for class. This was truly an honor for him as he enjoyed conducting the sectional voices. Claudell also played the trombone in his high school band. He graduated from Solomon Coles High School in 1952. Upon his graduation, Claudell received a Methodist Scholarship which led him to Huston-Tillotson College in Austin, Texas under the tutelage of Band/Choir Director Nathaniel Williams. While in college, Claudell was chosen as the Student Band Director and the Student Choir Director. Even though he was talented with playing many instruments, Claudell played the baritone during his college years. Around this time, he also joined Simpson United Methodist Church and began playing for the choirs.
Claudell also enjoyed capturing the hearts of others as a photographer and was always seen around campus photographing memories for the college yearbook, The RamsHead. In January 11, 1954, Claudell pledged Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated, Alpha Psi chapter.
While in college, Claudell was drafted into the United Stated Army in 1956 and was stationed in Arkansas, South Carolina and Georgia. He served for two years as an Intermediate Speed Radio Operator and was honorably discharged in 1958. He returned to Huston-Tillotson to complete his education credentials and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education in January 1959.
Simultaneously in 1959, Claudell accepted a position in Cameron, Texas as a Band Director and 5th grade Classroom Teacher at O.J. Thomas School. He enjoyed learning various topics with his students and geography/social studies were his favorite subjects.
In 1960, Claudell married Thelma James, and through this union, two children were born, Kimberly Claudette and Keith Herron. Due to school integration in 1967, Claudell relocated his family from Cameron, Texas to Austin, Texas and accepted a position at the United States Postal Service. He served in the capacities of Letter Sorter Machine Operator and Window Clerk. Claudell received numerous certificates of appreciation throughout his 32 year tenure with the U.S. Postal Service. Upon retiring in 2001, he immediately began volunteering at Seton Hospital as a Discharge Attendant and Cafeteria Cashier for 12 years; however he worked part-time at the Frank Erwin Center as an usher/supervisor, Austin Convention Center as an usher, and University of Texas DKR Memorial Stadium as a parking attendant, suites/club court attendant and various security positions.
Throughout his life, Claudell was involved in many church ministries. While at Simpson United Methodist Church, he served as Finance Chairman, Trustee, United Methodist Men President, Choir Director, Sunday School Teacher and Pastor Parish Relations Committee Member. He joined Mt. Sinai Baptist Church in 2009 and was baptized by Pastor A.W. Anthony Mays on January 3, 2010. While at Mt. Sinai, Claudell sung with the Sons of Sinai Choir and was a member of the Seasoned Seniors Sunday School class.
Claudell loved his hobbies and his favorite pastimes included golf (2-3 times per week), chess, ping pong, bowling, darts, and he would always be found competing against his nephews at family gatherings. He traveled extensively throughout Texas and the country competing in chess tournaments. As an avid golf player, Claudell was a member of the Austin Senior Golf Association, and shared that one of his greatest achievements was being named 2001 Senior Golfer City Champion with a score of “67” and featured on the local news. This was certainly a feat considering that Claudell had no professional golf training.
Claudell leaves to cherish his memories, his children, Kimberly Brown of Round Rock, Texas, Keith Madison (Nancy) of Pflugerville, Texas. Grandchildren, Andre James Madison of Pflugerville, Texas, Keiarra Janae Madison of Pflugerville, Texas, Christian Alexander Brown of Round Rock Texas; and also former spouse, Thelma Madison of Round Rock, Texas. Brother, Waunell Madison (Mae) of Corpus Christi, Texas, Sister, Apostle Fannie Wallace (William) of Midwest City, Oklahoma. Special sister-in-law Mae Frances James of Austin, Texas, and a host of nieces, nephews, many other relatives and friends.
Claudell’s family will receive friends on Friday, November 16, 2018 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home in Pflugerville, Texas. A Funeral Service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 17, 2018 at Mount Sinai Missionary Baptist Church, 8500 Cameron Road, Austin, Texas 78754 with Pastor A.W. Anthony Mays officiating. Interment will follow at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Cemetery where military honors will be afforded.
Please visit www.cookwaldencapitalparks.com where you may leave condolences and share memories with Claudell’s family.
