Claude Richard Tidwell, Jr., 85, of Port Aransas and Austin died Thursday, Nov. 6, 2008.

He was born March 6, 1923 in Miles to Claude Sr. and Drusilla Tidwell.

Tidwell was a World War II veteran and a member of Electrical Union #520 for 55 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Vivian Metcalfe and Ethelbert Cochran; brothers Joseph Mallory Tidwell and Richard Burt Tidwell.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Frances Lloyd Tidwell; two daughters, Mimi (Charles) Rhea and Anne (Larry) Gross; a son, David (Lesa) Tidwell, 10 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and one greatgreat granddaughter.

Services were held on Monday, Nov. 10, at Harrell Funeral Home in Austin.

Pallbearers will be his six grandsons.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.