Claude Eugene Gittins was born on October 1, 1960 to Eugene and Claudelle Gittins in Hyrum Utah. He passed away peacefully surrounded by family after a courageous battle with Glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, on April 3, 2024. Since his diagnosis over a year ago he was determined to see his retirement on March 31 from Utah State University, he was so happy to have achieved this goal before his passing. 

Claude grew up in Hyrum Utah the oldest of two boys. He attended and graduated from Sky View High School. While in high school he participated in wrestling and baseball. He also enjoyed all things cars, especially his Cherry Red ’69 Camero, which sadly none of us kids own. 

Shortly after high school he married Leslie Gundersen and from that union they were blessed with two beautiful girls, Crystal and Jessica. They later divorced. 

In 1990 with the help of both their dads, Claude met Vicky Hansen and they were married for time and all eternity in the Logan Temple. Claude was ecstatic to add Vicky’s young son, Bracken to his family. Shortly after their marriage a beautiful bouncing blonde baby girl, Measha arrived. 

Claude was very family oriented and spending time with family both close and extended was a high priority. A little while later, Mason, a toe-headed boy just like his daddy was born. And four short years later baby Brock arrived and our family was complete. 

Claude was always on the go, following his children and later grandchildren in all their activities; from rodeo, wrestling, basketball, baseball, football, queen contests and everything in between. Claude built two beautiful homes, and worked multiple jobs, all while completing a lengthy career at ATK Thiokol and recently eleven years at Utah State University as a boiler tech. Wherever Claude went humor was never in short supply. Teasing was his favorite form of love.

Next to family Claude loved Jesus Christ and was involved in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He never missed an opportunity to share his testimony with his kids and grandkids. He loved spending time in the Temple and encouraged all his kids to attend or be worthy to attend. Claude and Vicky’s favorite activity together was going to the Temple. They both literally wore out their Temple clothes. 

Claude is survived; by his eternal companion Vicky, his mom Claudelle, his brother Lyle and his mother-in-law Gayle Hansen. His children Bracken (Katelyn), Crystal (Jesse DeLong), Jessica (Zack Johnson), Measha (Parker Foy), Mason (Heather), Brock (Rose). Claude’s family grew to include 16 grandchildren and 3 great granddaughters. He is proceeded in death by his father, Eugene, and his father-in-law, Jay Hansen. 

Funeral Services will be held Tuesday April 9, 2024 at 12, noon in the Preston South Stake Center, 55 East 100 South Preston. Viewings will be held Monday April 8, 2024 from 6 pm to 8 pm at Webb Funeral Home 1005 S. 800 E. Preston and Tuesday from 10:30-11:30 am at the Preston South Stake Center. Interment will be in the Preston Idaho Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at webbmortuary.com

The family would like to thank the wonderful nurses and staff at Symbii Health Care, Dr. Beckstead, FCMC hospital staff, Senior Citizens Center, and surgeons at University of Utah and McKay Dee. And all the extended family and friends that have helped us get through this last year. 

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