Claude's life began May 2, 1954, in St. Joseph, Michigan. He grew up in Watervliet with his parents and four siblings where he graduated high school. Claude was skilled at car body work. He enjoyed working on cars it was not only his profession but also his hobby. When Claude wasn't working you could find him solving a puzzle book, fishing and in his younger years hunting.

Claude leaves behind a loving family to cherish his memory including: two children Keith (Erin) Higginbottom and Jessica (Travis) Hampton; six grandchildren; three siblings Becky (Ken) Rinks, Valerie (Chuck) Tucker, and Donald Higginbottom; a brother-in-law Bob Stineman; his girlfriend Linda Hayhurst; and many nieces and nephews.

Claude died Monday, December 12, at home. He is preceded in death by his parents Claude and Joanne (Becht) Higginbottom and his sister Brenda Stineman. Friends may visit with Claude's family Sunday, December 18, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at Hutchins Funeral Home in Watervliet. You are invited to leave a message of comfort for Claude's family at hutchinsfuneral.com