Claud Herlocker, Jr., of Valrico, Fla., a respected Army veteran and servant of God, passed away on April 6, 2024, in Lutz, Florida, at the age of 81. He was born on February 27, 1943, in Detroit, Michigan, to the late Claud Herlocker and Lorone Strelow Herlocker. Claud’s life was a testament to service, integrity, and duty to God and country. He was a 1965 graduate of the Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina and remained a staunch supporter of his alma mater. He served as an officer in the 39th Combat Engineer Battalion in the United States Army in the Republic of South Vietnam as well as in the Army Reserves and the South Carolina National Guard. Claud continued his acts of service in his personal life. He attended the Moody Bible Institute, received a Master’s Degree in Bible from the Columbia Bible College and, after moving to Tampa, Florida, became part of the bus ministry at Hillsdale Baptist Church for many years. His later years were spent being ministered to by Idlewild Baptist Church. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodges #153 and #265. Influenced in his early life by the Boy Scouts of America, he started in Cub Scout Pack #289 in Detroit, and he returned that influence by participating in the Florida Gulf Ridge Council Troop #4. He told many stories of camping, making baked beans over a fire, canoeing, and helping to shape the characters of young men by teaching them lifelong skills, always laced with his own unique sense of humor. Question – What do you call grapefruit in Alaska…anyone? Another example of his service and dedication was achieving the milestone of donating over 26 gallons of blood during his lifetime. Many lives were saved because of this generosity. Claud will be remembered for his strong individuality and sense of morality. A cadet “will not lie, cheat or steal, nor tolerate those that do” defined his life. His particular sense of humor set him apart, but he was always a comedian. Answer – Grapefruit! He is survived by his former spouse, Margaret Pugh, and his children, David Herlocker (Cynthia), Stephen Herlocker (Monica), Paul Herlocker (Crystal), Joy Corson (Andrew), and Jonathan Herlocker (Marianne). He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Bryan Herlocker, Matthew Herlocker, Benjamin Herlocker, Lucas Corson, Elijah Corson, Jona Herlocker, Nathaniel Herlocker, and Carolanne Herlocker; sister, Sharon Boyle (Michael), along with nieces Kathleen Boyle Farrell and Julie Sbrocco. A graveside service with military honors will be held Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at 1 pm at Florida National Cemetery, 6502 S.W. 102nd Ave, Bushnell, FL 33513. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating a pint of blood to the American Red Cross in his honor.