Michael Claud

Michael Jude Claud, 70, of Maumelle, passed away December 16, 2022. He was born January 06, 1952, to the late O.B. and Betty Claud.

He attended Catholic High where he was a member of the ROTC and graduated in 1970. He enlisted in the Army National Guard and served as a Chaplain Assistant, then began his career at Southwestern Bell (AT&T) until his retirement in 2005.

Mike loved sports, especially baseball. He played baseball throughout his youth into high school and was a good enough 2nd baseman to receive a tryout with the pros. During retirement, Mike worked as an usher at Dickey Stephens Park from 2010-2019. His section was on the third base side and was where he was known as “Big Mike”. Huge New York Yankee fan, he could recall Yankee lineups of many years. His football team was the Dallas Cowboys, but the Razorbacks ruled. On weekdays, he put on his headphones and listened to 103.7 the Buzz from 6:00 am through 7:00 pm Another passion was ballooning where in the 80’s into 2000s he attended festivals as crew with Pat and John Strack and received his balloon private pilot license in 1988.

He was an avid runner, played league basketball, rode mountain bikes, played racquet ball, and found NASCAR. Every Sunday during NASCAR racing season, he sat with George (she) and Robby Blackwood rooting for his driver Denny Hamlin, car #11.

His favorite place on earth is Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu, New Mexico, a place where Georgia O’Keefe painted and made her home. Mike and wife Pat made many trips there where Mike found peace and relaxation. On the first trip, Mike quit smoking. He went on archeological digs, hiked into Box Canyon, and on his 3rd trip, Mike finally made it to the top of Chimney Rock. He loved sitting on the banks of the Chama River and the drives up the winding road to the Benedictine Abbey of Christ in the Desert. Mike made other trips to New Mexico delivering paintings for Pat Matthews to galleries in Santa Fe and Beaver Creek, Colorado.

Mike leaves behind his wife, Pat (Kirspel); daughters, Tricia Claud, and Kimberly Capps; son, Shawn M. Claud; grandson, Shawn M. Claud Jr.; daughter, Cristi Lam (Jonathan); two grandsons, Remy, and Keanu Lam; his siblings, John Claud (Lynn), Cathy Shelton (Ken), Joe Claud (Karla), and Suzanne Dobbins (Mark). Plus 7 nieces and 1 nephew who were all his favorites.

Visitation will be held Friday, January 6, 2023, at 4:00 pm at Smith Little Rock Funeral Home followed by Rosary at 5:00 pm then shared memories and tributes. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am Saturday, January 7, 2023, at Holy Souls Catholic Church. Honorary pallbearers are as follows: John and Pat Strack, George and Robby Blackwood, Kenny Lipsmeyer, and Felix Eason.

Memorials can be made online to https://www.ghostranch.org/how-to-help/donate/donate-now/ or checks to: Ghost Ranch Education and Retreat Center 280 Private Drive 1708 Highway, US-84 Abiquiu, NM 87510.