Claude Jesse Morrette, Iii

Claude J. Morrette III passed away Monday, April 11, 2016, surrounded by his wife and family. Born January 30, 1940, Claude was the only child of Betty and Claude Morrette Jr. He was a 1957 graduate of Whitmer High School and went on to study at the University of Toledo. Claude came from a long line of horse lovers. At a young age he became involved in riding, teaching riding and showing horses at his grandfathers farm, Sylvan Trails. He was a rodeo contestant winning innumerable championships around the Mid-West. This love became a career as he bred, raised, showed, and judged Morgan horses. In 1960, he opened a training stable, Whitmorr Farms, where he had many successes, including Grand Champion Stallions, Kanes High Society and Magnum Force and a breeding program that produced winners in all divisions at Morgan horse Class A shows. He was a member of The American Horse Show Association for 45 years and was a national and international horse judge for 40 years. He judged Grand Nationals 5 times. Claude is survived by his wife, Mary Lenore (Tootie) Monaghan Morrette; stepchildren, Kathleen (Mark) Poddany, John (Denise) Monaghan, and Molly (Bert) Bernhardt; grandchildren, Joseph, Patrick, Bailey, Lila, Laura, Brantley, Kelli, Mary Kathryn, and Gerald; sisters-in-law, Billie (Tom) Keller, Sistie (Ron) Gabel; brother-in-law, Jim (Michelle) Ott; and many loving cousins. Visitation will be Thursday, April 14, 2016 from 2-8:00pm at the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania Ave. (west of Corey Rd.) A prayer service will be held at Walkers at 9:30 a.m., Friday, April 15 with processional to Christ the King Church for a 10:00 mass. Private interment will occur. Memorials may be made to Christ Child Society of Toledo, PO Box 352254 Toledo, OH 43635 or the charity of the donor’s choice. We would like to especially thank the physicians, nurses, and staff at Flower Hospital for giving him his dignity in the many difficult days. Condolences may be shared with the family at walkerfuneralhomes.com.