William "Claude" Crockett

William “Claude” Crockett, 88, of Langdon, ND passed away Monday, April 17, 2017 at Maple Manor Care Center in Langdon, ND.

Claude was born April 10, 1929 in Langdon, ND to William and Ethel (Skinner) Crockett. After marrying Cleo Estenson on April 10, 1954 in Sarles, ND, the couple made their home on their farm in Minto Township where Claude farmed until he retired. Claude raised Clydesdale horses and made many trips up to Canada and to various towns in the United States showing them or leading parades. Claude always made sure that if he was in Langdon, the horses would go by Maple Manor so the residents could see them. Every Christmas, he would have the Clydesdales pull the jumper sleigh which was an enclosed sleigh that kept the riders warm. Claude even sold his Clydesdales to Budweiser and Potter’s Brewery. His favorite horses were Big Dan & Doc and an Arabian named Chamino.

After he gave up his horses, Claude turned to his car. He took his 1916 Cadillac to many events. Instead of his horses in his horse trailer, he used the trailer to transport his car! Another interest of Claude’s was family ancestry. He was always full of stories and enjoyed telling them to his friends, children, and grandchildren.

Surviving Claude are his daughters: Patricia (Allan) Bachman of Langdon, Darby (Mark) Kakela of Langdon, Robin (Gerald) Marcotte of Langdon, Norma (Greg) Kuhn of Apache Junction, AZ; 16 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and sister Iona Schmidt of Glendive, MT. Claude was preceded in death by his parents, wife Cleo, son Jim, grandson Jim Bachman, five sisters, and two brothers.