Claude R. "Okie" Sangster, age 87 of Hobart, Indiana passed away Tuesday, April 8, 2014 following an extended illness. He was born May 17, 1926 in Alma, Arkansas to the late Claude and Alma (Lonsbury) Sangster. Claude retired from US Steel as a supervisor in the Rolling Mill following 43 years of service. Okie loved to travel and one of his favorite destinations was Las Vegas where he enjoyed visiting with his special Canadian friends. He enjoyed visiting the Bright Spot Restaurant. Okie was a Free Mason and member of the Orak Shine. He was an avid Indiana Colts and St. Louis Cardinals Fan. Okie was a WWII veteran of the Merchant Marine Corps.

He is survived by his sons, Terry (Susan) Gadberry of St. John , Rick (Marti) Gadberry of Noblesville and Ike (Ruth) Williford of Chidester, AR; his sister, Patsy Stochel of Crown Point; grandchildren, Kristen Gadberry and Amy (Ryan) Haughey; two great grandchildren Keegan and Tatum Haughey; many nieces and nephews; and special friends and caregivers Reggie Pope and Pete Batistatos.

Claude was preceded in death by his parents; and wife, Imogene Sangster, his son Charles Williford, his brother Hamer Birdsong, his sister Irma Sangster and his longtime companion Betty Pope.

Funeral service will take place Tuesday, April 15, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at Rees Funeral Home, 600 Old Ridge Road Hobart, Indiana. Burial will follow at Chapel Lawn Cemetery. Visitation will be held Monday April 14, 2014 from 2 to 6 pm at the funeral home.

Memorial gifts are preferred to the Hospice of the Calumet Area.