1925
Claude
2012
Claude A. Tongish
July 6, 1925 — December 8, 2012
Claude A. Tongish, 87, of Amarillo, died on Saturday, December 8, 2012, at BSA Hospice in Amarillo, Texas. Graveside Services will be on Wednesday, December 12, 2012 at 10:00 AM at Memory Gardens Cemetery, McCormick Rd. & I-27, with Father Scott Raef officiating. Arrangements are by Schooler Funeral Home.
Claude was born in Ludell, Kansas, on July 6, 1925. He was raised and attended school in McDonald, Kansas. He served in the Army during World War II and was honorably discharged in 1947. He graduated from the University of Houston in 1959 with degrees in Petroleum Engineering and Mathematics. He married Mabel J. Riepl, originally of Herndon, Kansas, in 1959 in Pasadena, Texas. They moved to Amarillo in 1959.
Claude went to work for the U.S. Bureau of Mines, Helium Operations in 1959. He retired from Helium Operations in 1991. He is a Legion of Honor member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers.
Claude served as a volunteer at the VA Medical Center in Amarillo for more than 15 years. He was a member of the American Legion Post No. 54, a Life member of Elks Lodge No. 923, a member of Moose Lodge No. 1361 and Moose Legion No. 179. He belonged to the National Active and Retired Federal Employees and Amarillo Senior Citizens Association. He was active in the Amarillo Rifle and Pistol Club, and was a Life Member of the National Rifle Association and the Texas State Rifle Association.
Claude was preceded in death by his wife, Mabel, his parents, Herman and Catherine Tongish, and his brothers, Melvin and Harold. Survivors include his daughter, Karen Tongish of New York City, and numerous wonderful friends and relatives. He will be missed.
His family and friends are grateful to the dedicated staff of Bivins Rehab, BSA Hospital, Texas Oncology, and the VA Medical Center for providing Claude with diligent and comprehensive care during his brief illness. For a short time, Claude happily resided in an independent-living apartment at The Craig Methodist Retirement Center, where he was warmly welcomed by the staff and the community. Finally, Claude's family and friends are profoundly grateful to the staff and volunteers of BSA Hospice, whose skilled and compassionate care made Claude's final days comfortable and peaceful.
Family will receive friends, Tuesday, December 11, 2012 from 6:00-7:00 PM at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests gifts to BSA Hospice, the New York Zen Center for Contemplative Care (http://zencare.org), or a charity of your choice.
Claude was born in Ludell, Kansas, on July 6, 1925. He was raised and attended school in McDonald, Kansas. He served in the Army during World War II and was honorably discharged in 1947. He graduated from the University of Houston in 1959 with degrees in Petroleum Engineering and Mathematics. He married Mabel J. Riepl, originally of Herndon, Kansas, in 1959 in Pasadena, Texas. They moved to Amarillo in 1959.
Claude went to work for the U.S. Bureau of Mines, Helium Operations in 1959. He retired from Helium Operations in 1991. He is a Legion of Honor member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers.
Claude served as a volunteer at the VA Medical Center in Amarillo for more than 15 years. He was a member of the American Legion Post No. 54, a Life member of Elks Lodge No. 923, a member of Moose Lodge No. 1361 and Moose Legion No. 179. He belonged to the National Active and Retired Federal Employees and Amarillo Senior Citizens Association. He was active in the Amarillo Rifle and Pistol Club, and was a Life Member of the National Rifle Association and the Texas State Rifle Association.
Claude was preceded in death by his wife, Mabel, his parents, Herman and Catherine Tongish, and his brothers, Melvin and Harold. Survivors include his daughter, Karen Tongish of New York City, and numerous wonderful friends and relatives. He will be missed.
His family and friends are grateful to the dedicated staff of Bivins Rehab, BSA Hospital, Texas Oncology, and the VA Medical Center for providing Claude with diligent and comprehensive care during his brief illness. For a short time, Claude happily resided in an independent-living apartment at The Craig Methodist Retirement Center, where he was warmly welcomed by the staff and the community. Finally, Claude's family and friends are profoundly grateful to the staff and volunteers of BSA Hospice, whose skilled and compassionate care made Claude's final days comfortable and peaceful.
Family will receive friends, Tuesday, December 11, 2012 from 6:00-7:00 PM at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests gifts to BSA Hospice, the New York Zen Center for Contemplative Care (http://zencare.org), or a charity of your choice.
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