Claude Anthony Bloom Jr., a resident of Bogalusa, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 22, 2015 at St. Tammany Parish Hospital in Covington. He was 62 years old, born on Dec. 2, 1952 in New Orleans.

Claude received his Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering degree from Louisiana Tech University and his MBA from the University of Wyoming. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1974 to 1978. He was vice president of manufacturing for Gaylord Chemical and also former owner where he retired in December of 2009.

He was a member and past commander of the American Legion and organized the 4th of July parade for several years. He was a member of Rotary, a Paul Harris Fellow and a former member of the Washington Parish Planning Commission. Claude was a member of ESM United Methodist Church and served as Chairman of the Trustees. He was member of the Den of Roogaroo and the Magic City Carnival Association, and was also MCCA King XXXIII.

He is preceded in death by his father, Claude Anthony Bloom Sr; and his mother, Dorothy Thorning Bloom.

He is survived by his wife, Sandy Bloom; children, Claude Anthony Bloom III (Shawnessy), Sarah Elizabeth Bloom, Beth Davis Cuevas (Steve), and Katie Slider Read (Jeremy); sister, Steveanne Bourgeois (Wayne); and grandchildren, Ashley Ann Bunn, Abbey Elizabeth Fontan, Noah Anthony Bloom, Aiden Blaine Cuevas, Madison Brook Read, Molly Mae Read and Samuel Connor Bloom.

Visitation was held on Tuesday, Nov. 24, at Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Visitation will continue on Wednesday, Nov. 25, at Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home Chapel from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Bill Moon officiating. Military services will be held by the Magic City American Legion Post #24.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made the ESM United Methodist Church, 510 Ave. B, Bogalusa, LA 70427.

To view and sign the register book, visit online at pooleritchiefuneralhome.com.