Bernard Clauss

Mr. Bud Clauss, age 87 of DeFuniak Springs passed away Thursday, September 16, 2010 in Fort Walton Beach Medical Center. He was born February 23, 1923 in Vincennes, Indiana the son of Michael and Anna Marie Merway Clauss. He was a builder by trade and worked many years in the construction industry. His last five years of employment was with Western Electric. After retirement he and his wife Roberta came to DeFuniak Springs in 1987 to visit good friends Fred and Eva Mason and noticed a house under construction and near completion near their friends. They purchased the home and lived there until Roberta’s death in 2002. Bud and Roberta had been members of the “bridge clubs” in DeFuniak Springs a tradition he kept up after her death. One of their long time friends, Bettie McMillian was also a member of that group and she and Bud were married in late 2002. Bud moved with Bettie to McMillian territory out on Bob Sikes Road where the McMillian boys immediately accepted and took Bud in. He joined them in four wheeling the woods in and around Pleasant Ridge and spent the last years of his life being a beloved member of Bettie’s family. He was a member of Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church.

Among survivors are his wife, Bettie McMillian Clauss. Six daughters, Donnie and husband Earl, Janette and husband Bill, Winnie and husband Greg, Bobby and husband Andy, Butch and husband Ray and Diane and husband Ron. His son Mike and wife Sandy. Also Randy and wife Anna and Gwen and husband Ben. Four sisters, Thelma, Nadine, Freida and Sis. His brother Don and wife Lola and a special and dear friend Val Newsome.

Memorials may be made in Bud Clauss’ memory to Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church. Visitation will be from 9 until 10 A.M. Monday in Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church. Funeral Services will begin at 10:00 A,M, Monday, September 20, 2010 with Reverends Phil McMillian and Owen Smith officiating. Eulogy by Jack Owen. Burial will follow in Magnolia Cemetery.