Claude T. “Scooter” Husbands, 76, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 7, 2026. Born on August 22, 1949, in Washington, D.C., he was the son of Henry and Nina (Norman) Husbands. Scooter grew up and graduated from public schools in Alexandria, Virginia. While in school, he competed in tennis and cross-country. He was also a member of the high school debate team, key club, and national honor society.
As a young child, he spent nearly every weekend at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., with his father, a place where his lifelong love of animals first took root. He continued his education at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, graduating in 1971 with degrees in Zoology and Psychology. While at Iowa State, Scooter met his wife of 55 years, Sherry Norris. The two were married on May 31, 1970, in Wilton, Iowa at the United Methodist Church. Scooter devoted 44 years to a career in the insurance claims industry, retiring in 2015. His work led him and his family to call many places home over the years, including Freeport, Illinois; Zanesville, Ohio; Lebanon, Indiana; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and Plano, Texas. Scooter was a member of the New Hope United Methodist Church in Oklahoma City. He cherished time spent with his children; daughter, Lisa, son, Jay, and their families. He enjoyed opportunities to travel and was an avid sports fan. Scooter was frequently referred to by his family as an “arm-chair quarterback”. He was a huge supporter of all athletic activities for his kids and grandkids, including soccer, swimming, volleyball, cross-country, and basketball. A lifelong Washington Redskins fan, Iowa State Cyclone fan, and then an Oklahoma State Cowboy’s supporter. He rarely missed a game and took great joy in cheering on his teams. During his retirement, Scooter developed a strong appreciation for murder mysteries, becoming an avid reader of works by a wide range of authors. Scooter is survived by his wife, Sherry (Norris) Husbands; daughter Lisa (Husbands) Beleele and her husband, Chad; son Jay Husbands; and his beloved grandchildren Ash Doyle, Holden Husbands, Garrett Doyle, and Harper Husbands. He is also survived by a number of extended family members. Scooter was preceded in death by his parents and in-laws Donald and Evelyn Norris. Scooter’s family would like to thank the Adult Daily Living Center of Bethany, OK, the entire staff at Saddlebrook Senior Living Center, and friends who became family at New Hope United Methodist Church. Special thanks also to Trinity Hospice for their loving care. His Memorial Service will be held Thursday, February 26 at 1:00 PM at New Hope United Methodist Church, 11600 Council Rd. Services will be streamed through www.newhopeokc.org and can also be viewed on YouTube.com at NewHopeOKC. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the New Hope Food Pantry or Rod and Ann Newman Scholarship Fund at New Hope