David Francis Claeys, 68, of Barton, Vermont passed away on February 27, 2026 in Lebanon, New Hampshire. He was born on June 23, 1957 in New Haven, CT to David and Margaret (Stowe) Claeys. On July 18, 1981 he married Linda S. Bousquet who survives him.  He was a veteran of the United States Army and served during Desert Storm.

David was a Correctional Officer at the Northern State Correctional Facility in Newport. He was the Chief of the Barton Fire Department, and was involved with the Boy Scouts of America Pact 866. He was a member of the Masonic Central Lodge 62 of Irasburg, and the Mt. Sinai #3 Shriner of Montpelier, and American Legion Post 23 of Orleans. Among his many hobbies, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, making campfires, and game nights which included Sequence and Michigan Rummy. He also enjoyed watching the Miami Dolphins, and gambling at the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino in Bombay, New York. He has a liking for flamingos and elephants.

He is survived by his wife Linda Claeys of Barton, Vermont, his children: Pearl, Katrina Griffin and her husband Lonnie, Ashley Lefebvre and her husband Gregg, and Thomas Claeys and friend Jen, by his grandchildren: Steven, Matthew, Tyler Wilkins, Cody Griffin and friend Alyzah, Kristin and friend Evan, Payton Lefebvre and friend Daisy, Holden Lefebvre and friend Alexa, Brie-Ann and Kennedy. He is also survived by his step father Thomas Norton, 3 great grandchildren, his sisters: Kathleen Smith and Erika Bills, nieces, nephews, and friends William Cowles, David Billodeau, and Ernie Steinhoff.

He was predeceased by his parents, Aunts, Uncles, Nephew Lance, best friend John Cowles, brother-in-law Robert and sister-in-law Elaine.

Friends may call on Thursday March 12, 2026 from 4-6 P.M. at the Curtis-Britch & Bouffard Funeral Home, 4670 Darling Hill Road, Derby. A graveside service will be held in the Irasburg Cemetery in the Spring at the convenience of the family, with full military honors.  Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the Orleans  American Legion Post 23, P.O. Box 45, Orleans, Vermont  05860 or to the Pope Frontier Animal Society, 243 Woods Farm Road, Newport, Vermont 05855. On-line condolences at welcome at curtis-britch.com.