Claude O. Yocum, 79, of Seneca, Missouri, passed away Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 9:06 am, surrounded by his loving family.

Claude was born in Joplin, Missouri, on December 11, 1946, to Doris R. Yocum and Freda E. Turner. He was a 1965 graduate of Seneca High School, where he mastered being ornery and creating a little trouble-traits that those who knew him remember with a smile. He was a 2-time Golden Gloves boxing champion and excelled in football.

On July 29, 1965, he married his high school sweetheart, Linda Carolyn Cummings, who survives. Together, they built a life centered on love and family and were blessed with three daughters: Claudia Michelle, Stacie Lyn, and Stephanie Renee.

You could not find a tougher, harder-working man than Claude. He retired after 25 years of working for Simmons Foods in Southwest City. He approached life with grit, determination, and strength that those around him deeply admired. With his beautiful blue eyes and that mischievous grin, he had a way of bringing both comfort and a little mischief to those around him.

Claude found joy in the outdoors-whether horseback riding, fishing, or hunting-but nothing meant more to him than his role as a husband, dad, grandpa and poppy. He was a devoted family man who took great pride in "his girls," a phrase he often used with love and affection. He was the epitome of a 'Girl Dad,' embodying a rare and profound devotion to his daughters. His greatest happiness came from the time he spent with his family, and his legacy lives on in the strength and love he gave to them.

He is survived by his adoring wife of 60 years, Carolyn; his daughters and their families, Michelle and Troy Lipe, Stacie and Brian Aldridge, and Stephanie Merriman, all of Seneca; and his grandchildren, the lights of his life: Keshia Gatewood; Jared and Hannah Lipe; Haylee and Tucker Fenix; Dalan and Brittany Merriman; and Dayton and Max King. Then came the icing on the cake-his great-grandchildren: Adie and Wyatt Gatewood; Huxley and Haisley Lipe; Rowen and Eleanor Fenix; and Harlan and Fallon Merriman.

He is survived by one brother, Gale Yocum, Knob Noster, MO and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; six sisters; Judith Yocum, Doris Yocum, Sharon Hagerman, Sara Pumphrey, Kathie Storie and Nancy King; infant grandson, Claude Yocum Merriman.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 6 pm, Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at the Campbell-Biddlecome Funeral Home, Seneca, MO.

Funeral services will be held at 2 pm, Thursday, April 2, 2026 at the Seneca Assembly of God with Doug Scribner and Denny Sikes officiating. Burial will be in the Seneca Cemetery with Jared Lipe, Dalan Merriman, Max King, Tucker Fenix, Adam Scribner and Blake Scribner serving as pallbearers.