Claude E. Fest

Claude Fest, 83, of Seymour, passed away on April 12, 2024, in Seymour, Texas.

Services will be held on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at the First Methodist Church in Seymour, with Rev. Derrell Patterson officiating.  Burial will be in the Riverview Cemetery under the direction of Archer Funeral Home. Pallbearers will be Keith Stone, Mike Gonzales, Eastland County Judge David Hullum, Val Verde County Sheriff Joe Frank Martinez, Gus Ramirez, Tom Caldwell, Mario Hernandez, Anthony Pappas, and Dillon Hering.

Claude was born November 4, 1940, in San Antonio, Texas, to John and Nannie Elizabeth Fest.  He attended Edison High School in San Antonio and was a graduate of Baylor University, where he played football and earned a bachelor’s degree in Education.  Claude was also a graduate of Sul Ross State University where he earned a Master’s Degree in Education.  Claude married Donna Huff on April 17, 1976, in Del Rio, TX.  He was preceded in death by his parents, John David and Nannie Elizabeth Fest; by two of his older brothers, Elbert Fest and Jimmie Fest, sister Betty Studdard and by two sons, Eric Fest and Christopher Fest.

Claude was a football coach and teacher for 36 years.  He coached and taught in several San Antonio schools, including Alamo Heights High School and South San Antonio High School.  He was the athletic director and head football coach in Del Rio, Texas for many years.  He also coached and taught in Killeen, Texas.  Claude was so loved by his former football players that they kept in touch with him throughout the years by e-mail and Facebook, and even drove to Seymour to visit him on more than one occasion.  He was the guest of honor at the 30th reunion of the Del Rio class of 1974.

Claude was a former member of the Seymour Lions Club, where he served as president for one year.  In past years he taught Youth Sunday School at the Methodist Church and assisted with Vacation Bible School there for several years. 

More than anything, Claude loved his family.  He loved taking his family fishing at Lake Amistad while living in Del Rio, and he enjoyed fishing trips to Mexico with his brothers and nephews.  Whether one of his children or grandsons was at a sports event, had a flat tire, or was injured at school, he was always there when needed.

Claude is survived by his wife, Donna, of Seymour; a daughter, Kelly Fest of Seymour, a daughter, Libby Hering and husband Scott, of Rockport, Texas, a grandson, Dillon Hering of Rockport, a grandson, Anthony Pappas, of Seymour, brother Howard Fest and wife Maribeth, of Bandera, brother Gary Fest and wife Brenda, of Pipe Creek, and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Tuesday, April 16, 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Methodist Church.

The family suggests memorials to Cal Farley Boys Ranch or a favorite charity.

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