John Thomas Claud, 77, of Cabot, passed away July 7, 2026. He was born February 1, 1949 in Little Rock and was the firstborn son of Otis B and Elizabeth Donahue Claud.

John was a proud 1967 graduate of Little Rock Catholic School for Boys. He excelled in the classroom and on the football field, earning recognition as an All-State center for the CHS Rockets. John received an athletic scholarship to Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. His commitment, discipline and team spirit became defining traits that carried through every chapter of his life.

Following his college days, John went on to serve his country in the Arkansas Army National Guard for six years. He embraced his duty with honor and humility. He later dedicated thirty years to SWB/AT&T.

John had a gift for working with his hands and was known as a handyman who could fix and build almost anything. He was an avid deer and duck hunter and found great peace in the woods. John was a competitive runner, having run multiple marathons, including the Pikes Peak ultramarathon. His last love was found in riding and traveling with Lynn and his beloved horse, Foster, throughout the camps and trails of Arkansas. He will be remembered for his warmth, loyalty and the steady presence he offered to everyone who knew him.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his infant son, Keith Claud and his brother, Michael Claud. Those left to cherish his memory and to miss him dearly are his wife of thirty-nine years, Lynn Claud; his children, Carly Claud, Cynthia LaDue, Steven Sparr, Jr. and Kim Estoker; seven grandchildren; siblings, Joseph Claud, Cathy Shelton and Suzanne Dobbins.

A special notice of appreciation is given to all those who supported John through his lengthy illness, including Arkansas Hospice, St. Jude’s The Apostle Catholic Church and Eucharist Ministers, Cynthia LaDue and his best friend, Dennis Campbell. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to Arkansas Hospice (aka: LifeTouch Health Foundation), 14 Parkstone Circle, North Little Rock, AR 72116 or by going to their website at https://www.lifetouchhealth.org/donate or St. Jude’s The Apostle Catholic Church, 2403 McArthur Dr., Jacksonville, AR 72076 or by going to their website at https://giving.myparishsoft.io//app/giving/WeShare.

A funeral mass will be 1:00 p.m., Monday, July 20, 2026 at St. Jude’s The Apostle Catholic Church in Jacksonville. Arrangements by Moore’s Cabot Funeral Home, 501-843-5816.