Claude Leon Whiteman, 75, Lawson, formerly of Holden, died Dec. 24, 2011, at NorthCare Hospice, North Kansas City.</p><p>Claude was born March 25, 1936, in Holden, son of Claude R. and Hazel A. (Martin) Whiteman. He graduated from Holden High School and attended college for four years. He served in the United States Army. Following his honorable discharge from active duty, Claude resided in Kansas City. Next, he lived in Lee&#x92;s Summit for several years. Later, he lived in Greenfield prior to moving to Lawson six years ago. He was a computer programmer with H & R Block. He was an avid reader and an artist. He especially enjoyed his granddaughter&#x92;s softball games.</p><p>He was preceded in death by both parents.</p><p>Survivors include two daughters, Cindy Shelton and husband, Joe, Overland Park, Kan., and Sandy Soper and husband, Mark, Lawson; a sister, Armetta Sedge and husband, Ken, Greenfield; five grandchildren, Missy Soper, Lawson, Jenny Newberry and husband, Andrew, Lewisville, Texas, Andrea Shelton, Chicago, Allison Shelton, Lawrence, Kan., and Tucker Shelton, Overland Park; and three great-grandchildren.</p><p>Funeral services will be at 2 p.m., Dec. 29, at Williams Funeral Chapel, Holden, with Pastor Dennis Higgins, Lawson Bible Church, Lawson, officiating. The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m., Dec. 29, at the funeral home. Interment will follow services in Bear Creek Cemetery, south of Holden, with military honors by the Holden Veterans of Foreign Wars, memorial post No. 5844 and Munday-Hancock Post No. 90 of American Legion.</p><p>Memorial contributions are suggested to NorthCare Hospice in care of the funeral home.</p><p>Online condolences may be left at www.williamsfunerlchapel.net.</p><p>(Arrangements by: Williams Funeral Chapel, 1400 S. Maguire St., Warrensburg, MO 64093; 660-747-6800)