Claudia Harrel

Claudia von Blucher Harrel passed away peacefully on October 12th with family at her side. Claudia was born on September 5, 1925 in Austin, Texas to Carl Felix Kill-Mar von Blucher and Claudia Caldwell von Blucher. She graduated from The University of Texas with a degree in home economics and was a member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority. She married Nick M. Harrel, Jr. on May 28, 1948 and moved to Kingsville where she lived for almost sixty years. During that time, she raised her four children, helped manage the Harrel Drug Store, and worked extensively in the community.
Claudia was proud of her heritage as a fourth-generation Texan, having descended from a family that settled in Corpus Christi in the 1840s. She was as proud of the beautiful snakeskin belts and hatbands that came from snakes she had skinned and tanned herself as she was of her more traditional activities. Claudia loved to entertain and offer hospitality to visitors, especially during quail season. She served extensively in the community, including as an ordained Elder and Deacon in the First Presbyterian Church; a member of the board of the Kingsville Public Library and of Presbyterian Pan American School; in leadership roles in the Woman's Club of Kingsville; and in additional roles in many other civic organizations. Claudia was very curious and particularly loved to travel and explore new places. She will always be remembered for the brilliant spark of energy and joy she brought to whatever she did.
Claudia was preceded in death by her husband of 33 years, Nick M. Harrel, Jr. She is survived by her sister, Mary Julia Jordan; by her four children and their spouses Claudia Edgerton (Frede), Nick M. Harrel, III (Joni), Carla Harrel Mathews (Danny), and Evan Harrel (Suzette); nine grandchildren; and thirteen great-grandchildren.
Visitation with the family will occur at Turcotte-Piper Mortuary from 4:30 - 6:30 pm on Friday, October 16, 2015. A memorial service celebrating Claudia's life will be held at First Presbyterian Church, Kingsville, on Saturday, October 17, 2015 at 10:30 a.m.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to Lisa Janes and her team who cared for Claudia so lovingly over the past few years.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Presbyterian Pan American School, P.O. Box 1578, Kingsville, TX 78364 or to the Nick M. Harrel Pre-Pharmacy Scholarship Fund at Texas A&M University - Kingsville, P.O. Box 2208, Kingsville, TX 78364 or to the charity of your choice.
Services are entrusted to Turcotte-Piper Mortuary, 205 General Cavazos Blvd., Kingsville, Texas.

Visitation

Turcotte-Piper Mortuary Chapel
205 East General Cavazos Blvd.
Kingsville, TX  78363
Friday, October 16, 2015
4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Service

Memorial Service

First Presbyterian Church
302 West Kleberg Street
Kingsville, TX  78363
Saturday, October 17, 2015
10:30 a.m.

Memorial Contributions

Presbyterian Pan American School
P.O. Box 1578
Kingsville, TX  78364

Nick M. Harrel Pre-Pharmacy Scholarship Fund
Texas A&M University - P.O. Box 2208
Kingsville, TX  78364