Clair Joseph Zaloudek, a resident of Berryville, was born Nov. 10, 1920, in Kremlin, Okla. Clair, the son of Anthony and Emma (Reim) Zaloudek, died Sunday, July 2, 2006, at the age of 85.

On March 16, 1942, he was united in marriage with Opal Dee (Estes) Zaloudek, who survives him. They resided in Enid, Okla. for 40 years, where Clair was an electrical contractor and farmer. In 1983 he moved his family to Berryville to pursue ranching.

He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Clyde M. Zaloudek, Carroll F. Zaloudek and Francis A. Zaloudek and two sisters, Beatrice B. Zaloudek and Isabella M. Hartziel.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his sister, Loretta Vail of Omaha, Neb.; sons, Michael and Lanny Zaloudek of Berryville; daughters, Carol Toews of Berryville and Cheryl Williams of Bella Vista; eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Clair served as a pilot in WWII and the Korean Conflict. He volunteered his time and welding skills to make hand railings and the bell tower at Our Lady of the Cove Catholic Church in Kimberling City, Mo., where he was an active member.

Funeral mass was held Thursday, July 6, 2006, at Our Lady of the Cove Church in Kimberling City, Mo. Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude's Children Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. Arrangements were by Nelson Funeral Service. Online condolences may be sent to the family at nelsonfuneral.com.