Claud Dean Fidler

Claud Dean Fidler was a strong man of faith. He had great love for his wife, his family, working hard, serving others, fishing, and simply being outdoors. Claud passed from this earth into the arms of his Father on Friday, April 17, at home surrounded by his wife and four sons.  He was born on September 9, 1928, in Wichita Falls, Texas, to Robert T. and Lillian Parham Fidler.  Claud married his Perrin high school sweetheart, Nelda Ruth Justice, on November 24, 1948. It was with Nelda that he raised a beautiful family, moved around the country working for Southwestern Bell Telephone until 1955 when they settled in Mineral Wells, and faithfully served the Lord and his people in any way he could.

After Claud retired in 1981, he and Nelda would travel the country filling their days with reading and fishing.  Fishing was his favorite pastime. The summer they spent traveling up the Alaskan highway and touring Alaska was and is fondly remembered as one of their greatest adventures. For the last half of their retirement, they would summer in Stonewall, Colorado, and winter in South Padre, Texas, making many lasting friendships.

Claud was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Lillian Fidler, brother Bobby Fidler, sister Illa Fae Driggers, daughter Nelda Kathleen Fidler, son Wynn Fidler, and grandson Bernard Fidler.  He was survived by his wife of 71 years, Nelda Ruth Fidler; son Ricky Fidler and wife Carol of Stephenville; son Toney Fidler and wife Ann of Mineral Wells; son Mark Fidler and wife Laurie of Mineral Wells; son Gary Fidler and wife Lydia of Houma, LA; and sister Lila Mae Salazar of Corinth, TX. 

He will also be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren: Brooke Fidler, Holly Duesterheft (Paul), David Fidler, Elizabeth Crowe (Steven), Sean Fidler (Emily), Andy Fidler (Shannon), Amber Avelson (Jason), Amanda Fidler, Jamie Fidler, Carren Miller, and his 14 great-grandchildren.

Claud will be lying in state at Baum-Carlock Bumgardner Funeral Home Wednesday from 9 a.m. till 9 p.m. and Thursday from 9 a.m. till 12 p.m. A graveside service will be 2 p.m., Thursday, April 23 at Perrin Memorial Gardens, Perrin, TX, officiated by Nathan Buchanan.