Claude Murl LaFerney, Sr.

A beloved Husband and Father, Claude Murl LaFerney Sr., 90, of Portageville was received into the arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Monday, December 12, 2016, as the ninth of 13 children born to Louie Monroe and Fannie Purcell LaFerney.

Claude was born December 9, 1926, in Conran and attended Conran and Portageville schools and finished the 10th grade where he met the love of his life, Virginia Lee Hoggard. Claude and Virginia were married on July 21, 1945, in Rector, AR. He was drafted into the Navy in 1945 at age 19 to fight in World War II and served honorably until 1946.

Claude returned to Portageville with Virginia and farmed with his father and brother, J.L. LaFerney. He was drafted into the Marines in 1952 at age 26 to fight in the Korean War and served honorably until 1954.

Claude and Virginia returned to Portageville and entered into business with his brother, J. L., to farm and broker livestock. He went on to run Kennett Sales Company in Kennett and spent the rest of his career buying and selling cattle- work he loved and through which he gained an extensive number of clients located in many states. He was well respected for his knowledge, trustworthiness and work ethic. Claude had a big personality, loved a good laugh and could strike up a conversation with anyone. In 2002, he received an honorary high school diploma from Portageville High School.

Claude was active at the J.Y. Church of God, having attended there since it was built in 1941. He served faithfully in his church in many capacities throughout the years, including treasurer, deacon, song leader and Sunday school teacher. He also loved gardening.

Claude was preceded in death by his parents, Louie and Fannie; six sisters, Ruby Irene LaFerney, Alberta Marie LaFerney, Mildred Moore Roberts, Juanita Brady, Clara Camille Parker, and Geneva Louise Smith; and three brothers, Louis Allen LaFerney, Samuel Eugene LaFerney, and Paul Henry LaFerney.

Claude is survived by two brothers, Junior Lee LaFerney of Lakeland, FL, and Don Harold LaFerney of Kingsport, TN; and one sister, Priscilla Ann Patton of Portageville.

Left to cherish his memories are his wife, Virginia; three sons, Claude (Cathy) Murl LaFerney Jr. of North Richland Hills, TX, Robert Coy (Michelle) LaFerney of Fort Worth, TX, and Russell Carl (Janet) LaFerney of Madison Heights, VA; and one daughter, Claudette Virginia LaFerney of Flower Mound, TX; eight grandchildren, Daniel LaFerney, Andrew LaFerney, Rachel Cowsert, Hannah Newman, Nathan LaFerney, Mark LaFerney, Grace LaFerney, and Rebekah LaFerney; and one great-grandson, Jacob Newman.

Visitation was held Thursday, December 15, and funeral services were Friday, December 16, 2016 at DeLisle Funeral Home with Rev. Danny Stevens officiating. Interment followed at Portageville Cemetery.

Please send the family condolences online at www.delislefuneralhome.net