Claude Siler, Sr.

Claude B. Siler of Ft. Washington, MD died peacefully in his sleep. He was a Washington Metropolitan Police officer from 1949 through 1974. Claude was a 32nd degree Master mason, Life Member of the Washington Daylight Lodge No. 14 and belonged to the Scottish Rite of Free Masonry, Valley of Washington, Orient of District of Columbia. Claude led a very active and productive early life from working as a ranch hand herding cattle on horseback at his uncle’s ranch in Montana, to building roads and planting trees as part of the Civilian Conservation Corps. He then dedicated his life to public service. Claude left the CCC to join the United States Marine Corps in 1939, leading the rifle drill team at Quantico Marine Base. When World War II broke out, he traveled to the Pacific theater, and served as a squad leader during the landing at Guadalcanal when his Lieutenant was killed by enemy fire. He served in the South Pacific until he was wounded and required rehabilitation. Upon discharge, Claude made Washington his home and worked as a security guard at the National Gallery of Art and Naval Research Laboratory. He also joined the US Air Force Reserve, working as a security police officer at Bolling Air Force Base for 20 years. He is perhaps best remembered for his 25 years with the Washington Metropolitan Police as a beat officer at the #11 Precinct in Anacostia during the 1950's and turbulent 1960's. He was chosen to serve with the Special Operations Division on Capitol Hill for the final eight years and witnessed history first-hand. Following his retirement, Claude served with the Library of Congress as a security guard and retired from Civil Service in 1982. To honor his service to his country with the United States Marine Corps, Claude will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery. He was son of the late Jesse Wright Siler and the late Eulah Taber. He was predeceased by his parents. He was the husband of Orpha Josephine White for 54 years; father of four children, Regina Misewicz Truslow, Elizabeth (John) Schouten, Claude B. (Deborah) Siler, Jr., and Sherry (Michael) Morris. Also survived by 11 grandchildren, 7 great granchildren, and beloved brother and sister, Robert Siler of Ava, MO and Ora Monaham Schmidt of Beaufort, SC. Visitation, funeral service, and interment will be private.

Claude Siler, Sr.

April 29, 1918 - January 8, 2010