Claude Muller

Claude H. Muller “Shawn Claude”, age 64, beloved son, brother, uncle and friend passed away on September 29, 2019 at his home surrounded by family and friends.Shawn Claude is survived by his father, Paul Muller; seven siblings, Vincent Muller and family, Edward Muller and family, Anthony Muller and family, Patricia Flanders and family, Linda Singer and family, Geralyn Saiz and family and Paula Johnson and family.  He was preceded in death by his mother, Josie Muller.

Shawn Claude was born in Albuquerque, NM in 1955, the fourth of eight children born to Paul Muller and Josie Muller.  He graduated from Rio Grande High School in May of 1973 and then joined the Air Force, where he served from September 1974 to September 1980, and was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant.  He attended the University of New Mexico and graduated December 1988 with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.   Due to his academic achievements at UNM he was admitted as a member of the Golden Key National Honor Society and made the UNM Honors List and the National Dean’s List.  After college he worked as an investigator for the State of NM District Attorney’s Office, a counselor and caseworker for the City of Albuquerque Department of Corrections, and a probation and parole officer for the NM State Department of Corrections.  In 1994 he went to work for Sandia Casino where for 23 years he worked as a dealer, floor supervisor and pit boss. He was a valued employee and will be greatly missed at the casino.

Shawn Claude enjoyed hunting and fishing with his brothers, spending time with friends and family, traveling, and he especially loved to dance.Latin dance was Shawn Claude’s passion.  In the last decade of his life he served as Program Director for two non-profit Latin dance organizations.  He was co-founder of the Albuquerque Latin Dance Festival (from 2009-2014) and the New Mexico Salsa Congress (from 2015-2019).  Shawn Claude loved giving back to his community in this capacity.  His commitment to investing in the lives of dancers and Latin music enthusiasts in New Mexico and beyond was no more apparent than in the thousands of volunteer hours he diligently donated to the cause of planning and hosting unprecedented annual local festivals with international music and dance talent while providing dance education and special events for all ages and backgrounds.

His spirit is now free to dance again…

The Muller family would like to offer a special, “Thank You,” to the team at Heritage Hospice for all their hard work and loving care for Shawn Claude, you have been a blessing.

Visitation will be Wednesday, October 9, 2019 from 6:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Gabaldon Memorial Chapel, 1000 Old Coors Dr, SW, with a Rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m.; Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, October 10, 2019 at 9:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 309 Stover Ave SW. A Committal Service will follow at Santa Fe National Cemetery, October 10, 2019 at 12:45 p.m.

Pallbearers will be, Joe Orona, James Foley, Soontarn Kanteephanya, Chris Ortega, Wayne Stinson and Donald Marquez

In lieu of flowers please consider donating in Shawn Claude’s honor to Children’s Cancer Fund of New Mexico.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Claude H. Muller, please visit our Tree Store.