Claude Rinker, 86 of Akron, passed away on April 29, 2023 at the North Colorado Medical Center.

Claude Sheldon Rinker was born June 8, 1936, at the Anderson home in Akron, CO to Russell Lee & Leona Ross Rinker.

In the 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade, Claude lived in Akron with his Grandma Rinker. In 4th and 5th grades, he attended Northeast Gary School. For 6th and 7th grades, he attended Rago School. From 8th grade until graduation, Claude attended Akron Schools.

In high school, Claude played football, basketball, and track. He made All-conference 3 years in basketball. Claude's junior year, he was voted most popular, best looking, best leader, best dancer, and most eligible bachelor. He graduated with the class of 1955.

After graduation, Claude worked tank construction in Kansas, Wisconsin, and Texas. From 1956 to 1958, Claude attended college at Trinidad Jr. College on a basketball scholarship. He also tried out for the baseball team. He was a starter for both sports. His baseball team played in the Junior College World Series in Miami, OK, which they were runners up.

After his college graduation, Claude was inducted into the Army on October 5, 1959. He went to basic training at Ft. Riley, KS. While there, they found out he was a great basketball player, so while other soldiers were doing hard conditioning, Claude went for breakfast and played basketball. During his service, he was stationed at Neckarsulm, Germany. While there he had special service guarding the Redstone Missile. He was extended 4 months during the Berlin Crisis. Claude was honorably discharged on January 18, 1962.

Claude married Ruby Jones on May 24, 1968. That December, they purchased Dave's Welding, renaming it C&R Welding. He closed the shop after 25 years of success due to ill health. He then started working for Duncan Oil Co, delivering gas and working in the office. Claude and Ruby purchased Ruby's Floral and he became the delivery guy.

They were the proud parents of Corey Stephen and Cathy Linette. They then became grandparents to Kade Dutton and Cash and Carlie Rinker, and one great-grandson, Kolton Dutton.

Claude was an outstanding athlete. He loved high school football, basketball, and track. He later played on town teams for Duncan Oil in baseball and basketball. He was an excellent golfer. Claude and Ruby loved dancing. They travelled the world where they met life-long friends. Claude also enjoyed rattlesnake hunting with his parents and children.

Claude was a member of the Bethel Union Church and was a charter member of the Akron Elks Lodge. Claude was a fine, honest, hard-working man. He treasured his "Adorable Baby" Ruby, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandson Kolton.

Claude was a very proud veteran. He was still honored to be able to wear his uniform for Veteran's Day.

Survivors include his wife, Ruby, children Corey & Cassie Rinker of Eaton, CO and Cathy Dutton of Anton, CO; his grandchildren Kade & Kassidy Dutton of Anton, CO and Cash and Carlie Rinker of Eaton, CO; and his great-grandson Kolton Dutton of Anton; his sister Janet Goetting of Otis, CO; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family and many special friends.

Claude was predeceased by his parents Russell and Leona Rinker, his son-in-law Kevin Dutton, and brother-in-law Roy Goetting. Claude was a very special man and will be dearly missed.

A funeral service will be held Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the Bethel Union Church north of Anton.  Interment will follow at the Akron Cemetery at 2:00 p.m.  Memorial donations may be made to the Washington County Ambulance Service, or to the Akron Senior and Community Center.