Claude Wardell Thompson, age 77, of Bel Air, Maryland, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 15, 2026. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, he was the beloved son of the late Raymond Thompson and the late Geneva (Davis) Thompson.

Claude proudly served his country as a United States Marine and was a Vietnam Veteran and member of the VFW. A skilled marksman, he carried great pride in his military service throughout his life.

Claude dedicated 26 years of service to UPS, where he became well known throughout the Abingdon community along his delivery route. His friendly, funny, and outgoing personality made him someone everyone recognized and appreciated. He was sometimes known as the Mayor of Bel Air due to him always stopping to talk to people and give his advice when asked. Following his retirement from UPS, he continued home improvement projects as he enjoyed helping fix up houses whenever he could.

He shared 51 loving years of marriage with his devoted wife, LaNella Thompson. Claude enjoyed life’s simple pleasures including sports, his love of BMW cars, motorcycle riding, and cruises. He will be remembered for his warm spirit, hardworking nature, and willingness to help others.

In addition to his parents, Claude was preceded in death by his beloved son, Keir Thompson; his brothers, Raymond Thompson and Robert Thompson; and his sisters, Attrice Stamps and Saundra Thompson.

Claude is survived by his loving wife, LaNella Thompson; his daughters, Tara Rucker and Kendra Thompson; his cherished grandchildren, Taylor and Londyn; his sisters, Augusta (Thomas) Pierce, Delverra (Rev. Robert) Savage, Rosalind Thompson, and Maria Thompson; many nieces and nephews; and a host of friends.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Claude’s memory to the Dementia Society of America https://www.dementiasociety.org/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=12349024502&gbraid=0AAAAADEgG1xuSH9iqPE_opuTqztrj7z51&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_b_QBhCSARIsAP6hR4fTvIc3P2QPzdW_nslhgaV67JMUCJgUCxRvOdL1iA2KfHVO8vhTIpoaAgyVEALw_wcB 

or the American Parkinson Disease Association https://support.apdaparkinson.org/site/Donation2?1400.donation=form1&df_id=1400&mfc_pref=T&autologin=true&s_src=paid&s_subsrc=25-9-evergreen&utm_medium=paidsearch&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=thd-apda-24-09-paidsearch-google