Claude Jordan Sr.

CLAUDE E. JORDAN, SR, 80, KOREAN AIR FORCE VETERAN, RETIRED FEDERAL BUREAU OF CORRECTIONS PROGRAM MANGER, FAMILY MAN. PETERSBURG - C.E. Jordan was 18 years old on Christmas Day 1952 when he landed in Japan to begin a six-month tour that would see him fly 27 bombing missions over Korea. For his service during the conflict he was awarded the Air Medal for having distinguished himself by meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight, in addition to the Korean and United Nations Service Medals. Claude remained a member of the Air Force Reserve and retired as a Senior Master Sergeant. In 2013 during the 50th Anniversary of the Korean Conflict, Jordan was highlighted in various newspapers across the US for his service and experiences. The retired Bureau of Corrections Program Manager died Tuesday, January 28, 2014 at home. He was 80. The son of Claude H. and Hilda Jordan, he was born on January 2, 1934 in Petersburg, Virginia. Claude was a 1951 graduate of Petersburg High School. At home on leave during his Korean War service, while attending a football game at Cameron Field, he met the love of life, Dorothy Jean Shelor. After his discharge from active service, on December 3, 1955 they were married, and were united until her passing in May of this 2013. Upon leaving the military, Claude became an officer with the Federal Bureau of Corrections. While serving in this position in Petersburg, Jordan completed his degree in Criminal Justice and quickly moved up the ranks to the position of Program Manager with Project Sentry implementing computer technology into Federal Prisons across the United States. He retired from the Bureau in 1986. On a national level he was President of the 307th Air Force Bombardment Group. In addition to his duties as President, he organized reunions for its membership all over America. Here in the local area, he was a Past Commander and lifetime member of Post 2239 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Claude was also a proud member of the Petersburg Old Geezers Organization, (POGO), which consisted of past graduates of Petersburg High School. Later in life, Claude's happiest moments consisted of being the patriarch of his large extended family. He loved being surrounded by his family and being part of their lives. Everyone was welcome at his table, and he never knew a stranger. In 2013, he and his son Claude Jr competed together in the Hawgfest BBQ competition and their BBQ was named People's Award Champion. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Jean; eldest daughter, Cindy; and infant daughter, Claudia Elaine. Claude is survived by his daughters, Peggy and Cathy; his son, Claude Jr.; and son-in-law, John; six grandchildren, Matt, Zack, Dustin, Wain, Allissa, and Christina; and eight great-grandchildren. His service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, January 31, 2014 in the Colonial Heights Chapel of the E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes & Crematory, 2033 Boulevard with Elder Herbert Small and Chaplain Craig Buxton officiating, with burial following in Blandford Cemetery, Petersburg. Visitation for Claude will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, January 30, 2014 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to his favorite charities, American Diabetes Association, 530 E. Main Street, Suite 200, Richmond, Virginia 23219, American Heart Association, P.O. Box 5216, Glen Allen, Virginia 23058 or Crater Community Hospice, 3916 S. Crater Road, Petersburg, Virginia 23805. Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.