C. David Claudon, 73, of Oak Park and formerly of Park Forest and Lexington, died on Nov. 8, 2016. Born on Oct. 23, 1943, he was an English teacher and the drama director at Rich East High School for over 36 years. He then spent nine years at St. Ignatius College Prep as a part-time English teacher. An active choir member of Forest Park’s St. Bernardine Catholic Church, he was past-president of the National Association of Miniature Enthusiasts (NAME), and the proud owner of the Butterfly Cat Studio. He loved life and never stopped smiling.
David Claudon is survived by his nephew and niece, Patrick (Brooke Spellman) Urich and Jennifer (William) Hopkins; his great-nieces and nephews, Katherine, Margaret and Elizabeth Urich and William, Andrew, and Madeline Hopkins; his partner and best friend, John Breitenbach-Patch; Janet and Victor Scodius; and mentor, “uncle” and “Mufasa” to Sean, Kaeleb, Alyssa and Christopher Breitenbach, and Brandon, Evan and Sara Scodius. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ivan “Pete” and Gwen; and his siblings, Paul Claudon and Carol (Frank) Urich.
Visitation was held on Nov. 11 at Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home in Oak Park. A funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Bernardine Church on Nov. 12. Interment was private.
The family appreciates Memorials to the St. Bernardine Music Ministry, 7246 W. Harrison St. in Forest Park, 60130.
