of Little Rock, AR
August 31, 1938 - August 3, 2024
Claudius Emile Whitmeyer, 85 passed peacefully in his sleep surrounded by family on Saturday, August 3, 2024, in Little Rock following a lengthy illness. Claudius was born in Shreveport, Louisiana on August 31, 1938, to the Honorable Judge George Randell Whitmeyer and Marie Louise Whitmeyer.
Claudius was preceded in death by his parents, Judge George Randell Whitmeyer and Marie Louise Whitmeyer; his sisters, Betty Lou Alexander Hawkins and Edna Marie O'Brien Allen; his brother, Frederick Whitmeyer; and his stepson, Howard Michaels. He is survived by his wife, Glynda Gay Howard Whitmeyer; daughter, Claudia Whitmeyer Ross, husband Douglas Ross of Jersey City, NJ; daughter, Caryn Whitmeyer Roland, husband Jason Roland, of St. Francisville, LA; stepdaughter, Teresa Gay Michaels of Little Rock, AR; stepson, Christian Michaels, wife Mary, Little Rock, AR; grandchildren, Daniel Michaels, wife Elizabeth; Cody Ross; Samantha Curatola-Wilbur; Tyler Cummings; Harper Cummings; Cate Michaels; Caroline Michaels; Riley James Roland; William Whitmeyer Roland; Laura Jett Roland, and many great grandchildren.
Claudius was a graduate of CE Byrd high school, where he developed his affinity for purple and gold, cheering the Yellow Jackets to victory. It was at Byrd that he met and made some of his best friends, including exchange student Jaime Cadaval, his best friend for almost 70 years. After high school Claudius followed in his father's footsteps in his pursuit of equanimity through the law, attending LSU for both undergraduate and law school, where he pledged Kappa Sigma fraternity and became a member of the Order of the Coif, graduating 4th in his law school class. Claudius became a lifelong LSU fan, cheering at deafening decibels at every LSU Tigers' game. He loved helping people and used his law practice as a platform to do so. He was particularly fond of helping his clients find solutions in their lives that would benefit the community as a whole and leaves behind a legacy of kindness and love, an enthusiasm for family and life, a love of good food and storytelling, and service to others.
In 1983 Claudius married Glynda, who he referred to as the love of his life, and lovingly blended two families into one, becoming the solid rock foundation for all of the lives that he touched. He and Glynda enjoyed traveling to Mexico many times, visiting New Orleans to enjoy all of the great food and sights, and visiting children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren as often as possible.
If asked what his hobbies were, Claudius would answer ''family''. To that end, he loved grocery shopping at ''Kroger's'' and cooking big family meals. Claudius was an avid cook and took great pride in the fact that one of his recipes was accepted and printed in Louisiana Cooking magazine. He enjoyed blues and jazz and watching Chris play music; he loved sudoku, Mexican dominoes and puzzles; he taught English as a second language through LSUS, and frequently traveled to Mexico throughout his life. Claudius loved his siblings and their children greatly and relished family gatherings. He loved Claudia and Caryn dearly and took great joy in coordinating activities for them and their friends when they were young, and looked forward to their visits when they were older. He enjoyed his cousins and extended family. After retirement Claudius and Glynda moved to Little Rock in 2012 to be hands-on grandparents to Cate and Caroline Michaels.
The family will hold a Celebration of Life from 2-4 pm on August 31, 2024, at 995 Pitcairn Pt. in Shreveport, Louisiana. Donations may be made to LBDA.org, the American Cancer Society, or The Bridge House of Shreveport (www.bridgehousehome.org).
Sign Guestbook
12 Condolence(s)
Carolyn Marriott
Monday, September 2, 2024
Glynda Gay , I just read Claudios’s beautiful obituary. He was a good man who helped many people in his busy life. I’m glad I was blessed to meet him at our last reunions. I will pm you my phone number. Maybe we talk soon. Love you and your family!
Sammy Love
Friday, August 30, 2024
I have known Claudius all of our lives- we started 1st grade together at A.C.Steere in 1944- we were in high school together at Byrd and college at LSU & we both graduated from LSU law school- we both practiced law in Shreveport and were sometimes adversaries in the courtroom- Claudius was a wonderful person- great guy and someone I always admired- so sorry to hear of his passing but I know I will see him again in Heaven- God Bless him and all praise to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!! S Love
Mary Ann and Andy Francis
Wednesday, August 28, 2024
A life well lived!
Helen Cage Forte
Wednesday, August 28, 2024
The dinner group will miss him! Tootie
Susan Adams
Monday, August 26, 2024
I worked for Claudius for about three years in the mid 80s when he was in private practice. He was such an honorable man who loved his family and worked hard for his clients. I really enjoyed working for him. I am so sorry to hear of his passing and send prayers to his family for comfort and peace during this difficult time.
Jim Barre
Sunday, August 25, 2024
Claudius was a true Southern Gentleman, courteous and genuinely nice to a fault. Met him late in life when we resided at Chenal Pines retirement center. He was a true Geau Tiger, often seen in an LSU sweatshirt. But occasionally his sweatshirt would feature a Razorback…how compassionate to feature his adopted state in such a way. I told you he was a nice guy! Our sympathies are with you and the family Glynda. He is certainly a “missable” guy who could make day a little more pleasant. He was a joy to know.
Jerry Perlman
Friday, August 23, 2024
I remember Claudius as an honest advocate from a time when lawyers could argue in the courtroom and go have beers together afterwards. Glynda, I hope you are managing okay.
Rickey Roppolo
Thursday, August 22, 2024
God bless the Whitmeyer family. I've known Claudius most of my life. My Dad, Angelo Roppolo, Judge Whitmeyer and Claudius were good friends.
Claudius was a good man and a friend. RIP.
Jiggs ramsey
Tuesday, August 20, 2024
Love that guy, he was a great man, and will be missed. Prayers going up for him and family
,
Sadie
Tuesday, August 20, 2024
I only ever had the pleasure of meeting Claudius once when I was visiting my brother Brian and Terrie...a very charming man. X
Christine Patrick
Tuesday, August 20, 2024
So sorry for your loss. Claudius was a such a kind, generous man with a lovely sense of humor.
I have missed him since Gail and I left the Pines. My prayers are with you.
Nancy and James Park
Monday, August 19, 2024
Glynda was one of my best friends in high school. Through her we came to know Claudius. As couples we have spent many great times and have enjoyed traveling with them. We will miss Claudius, he was a great guy and did truly love his family. Our sincere condolences go to Glynda and all his family.