Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

October 19, 1935 – April 26, 2024

Mr. Claud Edward Phelps, 88, a resident of Ponchatoula, Louisiana, was called home by his Heavenly Father, on Friday, April 26. He was our rock, a great husband, father, grandfather (poppa), a protector and provider, and friend to many – and his presence is already missed.

Claud was born in Greenville, Alabama on October 19, 1935 to Ollie Claude and Minnie Lerline Dean Phelps.

He is survived by his loving children, Claud E. (Jill) Phelps, Jr. and daughter, Ava P. (Mark) Basso as well as his grandchildren: Kristi M. Basso, Emily B. (Travis) Bennett, Tyler Jarres and Samuel Bryant Phelps, and Tana Grace Cashio. He is also survived by two sisters, Edna P. Lee and Faye P. (Wendell) Powell; sisters-in law, Rose Bush, Alice Toohill, Vivian B. (Carl) Douglass and Cathryn Bush; brothers-in-law, Joe (Kay) Bush and Wayne (Carmen) Bush and numerous nieces and nephews.

Claud was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife of 62 years, Sybil B. Phelps and his grandson, Daniel Tyler Phelps.

Claud was a chemical engineer, a veteran of the United States Navy, and a Gideon, serving as past president of the Ponchatoula Gideon International Group. He was a graduate of Greenville High School and an alumni of the University of Alabama.

One of his greatest joys was handing out Bibles in the school system and speaking and preaching in churches as a Gideon representative.

He was a faithful servant of the Lord, teaching Sunday School for many years, serving as Treasurer and Chairman of the Deacons in his church.

He was also an amazing self-taught chef. He loved preparing his famous barbecue sauce – a secret recipe that few eyes have ever seen. After moving to Louisiana in 1973, he fell in love with the food on the river and became proficient in the art of cooking creole and cajun dishes much to the delight of his friends and family.

Claud believed in hard work, showing up and doing your job. He believed in being generous with the gifts God had given him and never hesitated to meet a need for others.