WASHINGTON – Claude M. Esch, 93, died at 10:43 a.m. Thursday, June 12, 2008, at his home.
Born Oct. 17, 1914, in Washington to Solomon and Emma Nafziger Esch, he married Laverne Gingrich in Washington Sept. 17, 1948. She survives.
He was preceded in death by one son, Art in 1968; two brothers, Gladden “George” and Harold; and two sisters, Alice Gingrich and Mabel Esch.
He was a U.S. Air Force veteran of World War II.
He retired from the USDA Research Lab in Peoria after 30 years as a mechanical engineer.
He was a member of Calvary Mennonite Church.
Services will be at 11 a.m. today at Calvary Mennonite Church  The Rev. Dr. George E. Hines will officiate.  Burial will be in Union Cemetery, north of Washington.
Visitation will be at the church from 10 to 10:45 a.m.  Mason-White Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Memorials may be made to his church.
Condolences may be made at www.masonfuneralhomes. com.