In memory of

Claude E. Wood

December 1, 1906 - January 20, 2008

Memorial Service: 2pm Sunday, January 27 at Valley View Christian Church

Claude Elias Wood was born on December 1, 1906 in Lordsburg, New Mexico.  He was born of humble means to a rancher and his wife whose ranch resided north west of Lordsburg on the Gila River at Redrock.

Claude grew up on the ranch and did finally attend his first public school at the age of nine.  He worked on the ranch with his dad and worked for his grandfather while going to school in Lordsburg.  He graduated from high school in Lordsburg. 

Important First Job

In June of 1927, he began his first job at the Up-To-Date Grocery in Lordsburg.  The Up-To-Date Grocery was the only general store in those parts and people even came from over the Arizona border to get supplies.  Working in the Up-To-Date Grocery meant Claude came to know all the families in and around Lordsburg. This was the catalyst of what would become his long career in public service for the state of New Mexico. 

Holding a Future Supreme Court Justice

Claude knew the family of Sandra Day O’Connor because they came into the store.  They came to Lordsburg often for supplies from their ranch near Virden on the Arizona/New Mexico border, 30 or 40 miles from Lordsburg.  Claude got to hold the new baby, Sandra, on several occasions while the Day family gathered needed supplies at the store.  Eventually, he was promoted to the manager of the Up-To-Date Grocery and worked there until his first public office in 1933. 

"What more could a guy want?"

Claude began dating the love of his life, Estelle Turpin, when he returned to Lordsburg after attending Abilene Christian College for one year.  As he wrote in his book, "Each time we dated, she grew in my esteem. She was a person I enjoyed being with...most every evening." They were married at the Church of Christ in Lordsburg on June 11, 1928.

Career in Public Service

He was elected County Clerk of Hidalgo County in 1933.  He held that office until 1936.  In 1937, Claude moved to Santa Fe to work for the State Land Commissioner.  In 1942, he was elected to serve as the Democrat County Chairman of Hidalgo County.  This was in addition to his duties in the Land Office.  In the 1948 election, Claude was defeated in a run for State Land Commissioner by a narrow margin.

Newly elected Senator Clinton P. Anderson, who had been Secretary of Agriculture under President Truman, asked Claude to be his Administrative Assistant.  He accepted and served for all of the four of Senator Anderson’s terms in Washington. 

Life After Washington

He retired after serving 24 years under Senator Anderson and moved to Dallas, Texas, to be near his two children and grandchildren in 1973.  He was married to his beautiful bride, Estelle (Turpin), for 72 years before she passed away in 2000.  Claude and Estelle raised two children, Joann and Bob. They  have 5 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

Claude lived a full and wonderful life which has been blessed by God in many ways, one of which is longevity.  He celebrated his 100^th birthday on December 1, 2006 with a big party attended by his family and friends.

Earlier in 2006, he  underwent double knee surgery  and surpassed  all expectations of his medical staff and charmed all the nurses!  He has a remarkable memory and can remember the most intriguing stories of his life experiences.  He has been a man of moral character all his life and a blessing to all that know him. 

Contact Webmaster