Claude H. Sterling, Jr.

Claude H. Sterling, Jr. went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on October 11, 2023. He was greeted by his wife of 65 years, Betty Tullock Sterling; son, Mark Sterling; granddaughter, Raven Sterling.

C.H. was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on May 28, 1931, to Claude and Ada Gilbert Sterling. He was a graduate of Maryville High School and went on to become an Optician and managed Baptist Optical Center until it closed. He then opened his own business, Sterling Optical on Chapman Hwy. until he retired. C.H. and Betty did many years of traveling with their good friends, Bill and Kathleen Gibson, Gerald and Joyce Gibson, Felix and Nina Spence. Usually when you saw one the others were close behind.  C.H. also enjoyed walking and hiking with good friend Don Mull. He lived a long and fulfilling life and was a great influence on all he came in contact with. C.H. is also remembered by many of his children’s friends and still ask about him today. He was a good husband, father, brother, and friend.

Left behind to cherish his memory are his daughters, June Lail (Mike), and Laura Caldwell (Carson); grandchildren, Natasha Gilley (Robbie Williams), Alex Gilley, Logan Gilley (Kiri), Chase Sterling (Shelby), Shawn Sterling, Nick Sterling (Abigail); daughter-in-law, Leigh Sterling-Goodson. He was blessed with 11 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren. One sister-in-law, Lois Miller from Delano and many nieces and nephews.

The family will meet at Sherwood Memorial Chapel on Monday, October 16, 2023, for a 1 PM service. Officiating the service will be a relative and pastor, David Tullock. All friends and family are invited to attend and celebrate his life and memory.