Claude Clay Rouse, Jr. died on Sunday, June 17, 2018, at the age of 92. He was born on July 20, 1925, in Houston, to the late Claude C. Rouse and Eleanor Fay Neuhaus Rouse.

Raised in Houston, Claude attended Wharton Elementary, Lanier Jr. High, and graduated from Lamar High School. Claude attended The University of Texas at Austin and received a Degree in Finance in 1949 from the School of Business. His military service included: Navy V-12 at Mercer University, Macon, Georgia; USS Delta, AR9 in the Pacific Theater; and post war shore duty in Japan and China.

On August 27, 1951, he married Mildred Trout of Lufkin, Texas. Four children were born to this union: David Clay Rouse (Janice) of Prosper; John Walter Rouse, deceased; Richard William Rouse (Ruth) of Hallettsville, and Sophie Fay Rouse Teltschik (Gary) of Hallettsville.   Grandchildren include: Tracy Bradstreet (Andy), Jason Rouse, Kari Rouse Smith (Sterling), Randy Rouse (Brynn), Rachelle Diaz (Cesar), Rick Rouse (Veronica), Trent Teltschik, Morgan Teltschik, and Claire Teltschik.  Claude is also survived by nine great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Claude C. Rouse and Eleanor Fay Neuhaus Rouse; wife, Mildred Trout Rouse; son, John Walter Rouse; and sister, Mary "Sissy" Isabelle Rouse Sparks.

Claude was engaged in residential and commercial construction in Houston with the Rouse Lumber and Building Company. In 1962, Claude and his family moved to Hallettsville where he engaged in ranching in Lavaca County until his retirement.  Claude was a past member of the Rotary Club of South End, Houston; past President of the Rotary Club, Hallettsville; past Board of Trustees for Hallettsville ISD; past Board member of the Lavaca County Central Appraisal District; and past Board of Directors of Alligator Head Club of Port O'Connor, Texas. Claude was an avid hunter and fisherman, but spent much of his time fishing from Port O'Connor.

Per Claude's instructions, he will be cremated with private burial to follow. Memorials can be made to Hospice of South Texas or charity of your choice.