Claude E. Hobbs who resided in Lavaca, Arkansas, passed away Tuesday, April 19, 2011 in a Fort Smith hospital. He was born March 6, 1926 in Lavaca to the late Jake Herman Hobbs and Jessie (Crook) Hobbs. He was 85 years old.

Claude was a retired self-employed tile setter, a Navy veteran of World War II, member of American Legion Post 31 in Fort Smith and member of the Lavaca First Baptist Church.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, April 22nd at the Lavaca First Baptist Church, with Rev. Tony Buchanan officiating.

Graveside service will be 12:00 p.m. Friday at the Fort Smith National Cemetery, with military honors, under the direction of Brotherton Brothers Funeral Home in Charleston.

He is survived by his wife of almost 59 years, Bernice of the home; two daughters, Denice Bercher and husband Donnie of Barling and Tracie Steward and husband John of Vilonia; one son, Steve Hobbs and wife Dottie of Fort Smith; one brother, Clyde Hobbs of Fremont, California; six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be his grandchildren, Justin and Ashtin Hobbs, Courtney and Troy Bercher, Jake, Shane, and Bo Steward and Jace Jackson.

Honorary pallbearers will be Homer Morris, Eugene Clearwater, Virgil Armstrong, Mark Martin and members of the American Legion.

Family will visit with friends 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday night at the Lavaca First Baptist Church.

To pay an online tribute, please visit www.brothertonbrothersfuneralhomes.com.