Claude Clinton Parton Sr.

Claude Clinton Parton Sr., of Jonesboro, Arkansas, passed away on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at St. Bernards Hospital. He was 89 years old. He was born on October 25, 1935, in Piggott, Arkansas, Claude was the son of Joe B. and Ferra Dale Parton. He was preceded in death by his parents; his four brothers, Francis, Orville, Harley, and Don; two sisters, Mary Monday and Dorothy Eskew; his nephew, Jared Turner; and his beloved daughter, Kelly Marie Purtee, the mother of his children, Hope Spragins; Father and Mother-In-Law, Cecil and Idell Turner, and Brother-In-Law, Richard Buchanan. Claude is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Helen Parton, of the home; his son, Clint Parton (Patti) of Jonesboro; and three granddaughters: Laura Clayton (Chad) of Frisco, Texas; Rachel Colananni (Mick) of Springdale, Arkansas; and Mallory Shelton (Drew) of Jonesboro. He is also survived by three great-grandchildren and five nephews: Brian Buchanan (Laura) of Cabot; Greg Buchanan (Kelly) of Collierville, Tennessee; Mathew Hood (Jordan) of Benton; Brandon Hood of Kissimmee, Florida; and Chris Turner of Perry, Arkansas, Sisters-In-Law, Dianne Buchanan of Camden, Arkansas; Rhonda Martin (Gene) of Hot Springs Village; and Marlene Parton of Rector; and Brother-In-Law, Randy Turner (Liz) Harrell, Arkansas. A proud veteran of the United States Air Force, Claude served his country during the Korean War. After returning home, he devoted 40 years to the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department, where he worked as an assistant district engineer and built lifelong friendships. He lived in Camden for 29 years before retiring in Jonesboro in 2002. In retirement, Claude enjoyed playing golf with his close friends and traveling the world with his wife, Helen. He was a dedicated grandfather who never missed a game and treasured the time spent with his family. He also gave back to his community by adopting a section of highway in Jonesboro and faithfully picking up litter for 14 years. Claude served as a deacon and an elder at the First Presbyterian Church in Jonesboro. Claude’s generous spirit, sense of humor, and unwavering devotion to his family and friends will be deeply missed by all who knew him. A celebration of Life service will be 2:00 P.M., Friday, May 30, 2025, at Emerson Memorial Chapel with Mick Colananni officiating and Emerson Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. The burial will be private. The visitation will be from 1:00 until service time. For lasting memorials, the family requests you please consider contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, Tennessee, 38105; or First Presbyterian Church of Jonesboro, 701 Southwest Drive #1, Jonesboro, Arkansas 72401. To sign an online guestbook, go to emersonfuneralhome.com.