meet the residents of maple heights: claude freeburn

​By Jim Jacek
One of Maple Heights newest residents is one of Allen Park’s oldest residents.  Claude Freeburn moved into Maple Heights Retirement Community on Allen Road on September 28.  He turned 104 on August 31 (born in 1915).  Claude went to South Lake High School in St. Clair Shores.  Before his move, he lived in Dearborn since 1952, and worked for a tool and die shop in Melvindale as a welder. His hobbies included boating, bowling, and dancing.  He has visited all 50 states.  Claude was married to Lois for 78 years,  until she passed away in 2016 at the age of 99.  He has  two daughters, Judy Cole  and Bonnie Gerrity .  He also has one grandson (Patrick Gerrity) and one granddaughter (Kelly Cole) and a great granddaughter (Annabel).  Claude’s first car was a 1930 Model A Coupe with a  rumble seat, and the regular price for gas was 8 gallons for a dollar.