CASTLEBERRY Sr., Deacon Claude Norman

age 89, of Springfield, was taken to his heavenly home on Monday, 18 November 2019 at Southbrook Care Center, Springfield.  He was born 25 July 1930 in Sparta, Georgia, the son of Wade and Essie Mae (Tyus) Castleberry Sr.  Claude was the owner of Southside Construction Company in which he retired after working 50 years.  Claude was a veteran for the U.S. Army, where he served in the Korean War.  He was honorably discharged as a corporal.  He was a member of St. John Missionary Baptist Church, where he served as Past Chairman of the Deacon Board, Past President of the Male Chorus and sang in the Senior Choir.  Claude was a member of Local 22.  He loved to lay blocks, bricks and stones, spend special times with his family and friends and loved his church with his whole heart.  Claude loved working in his garden which he had around 3 or 4 and any other garden he could work in.  Avid lover of many sports.  He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Carleen (Benton) Castleberry; 4 children, Deacon Claude (Ledia) Castleberry Jr., Carla (Donald) Taylor, CarveyCastleberry, and Cencis (Douglas) Castleberry-Perry; adopted as a son, Deacon Kevin L. Morris, 8 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandson; brother, Wade (Sandra) Castleberry Jr., and sister, Pauline (Roosevelt) Stembridge; sister-in-law, Bernice Benton, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and a host of friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Wauline (Grady) Smith and foster sister, Margaret Stembridge,  A celebration of his life will be on Saturday, 23 November 2019, with a viewing from 10 -11 a.m. and services at 11:00 a.m. at St. John Missionary Baptist Church, 34 W. Pleasant Church, entrance on Mulberry St., Pastor Ernest C. Brown, officiating.  Family will receive friends at 212 W. Perrin Ave.