Ronald Cleaver

(From Parker Mortuary)

Gold Star Father Ronald Leroy Cleaver Sr.,79, left peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, July 27, 2016 at home in the arms of his wife after a long battle with Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson’s Disease.

Ron was born September 27, 1936 at home in Joplin to the late Leroy and Mary Cleaver. He attended Joplin Schools and Missouri Southern State University. After graduation, Ron enjoyed being a member of the Joplin Civil Air Patrol. Ron worked forty-five years as a printer and later computer technician at The Joplin Globe. He was also a member of South Joplin Christian Church and the Fisher’s Class for forty-five years. He became an Elder Emeritus in 2009.

Ron was an active member of the Four-States Mended Hearts. He had also volunteered with Joplin Meals on Wheels. He enjoyed doing with volunteer work with the Fisher’s Class, especially helping with dinners at the Joplin Blind Association.

He married Teresa Marie Cleaver, his wife of 36 years, at South Joplin Christian Church in 1980 by Rev George Randall. She survives. Other survivors include one son, Ronald Cleaver Jr., and his wife Rosalie of Emporia, KS.; a daughter Rhonda Cleaver, location unknown; one sister Joan Cleaver of Joplin; lifetime friend Virgil McCoy of Joplin; daughter-in-law Kim Apollina Sola, several grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, seven god-children, and many beloved nieces and nephews. Ron was preceded in death by his parents, and son SSGT John Cleaver of the 82nd Airborne, while serving in Operation Enduring Freedom 2009.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, August 9th at 1 p.m. at South Joplin Christian Church, Joplin, with Reverend Colleen Carroll officiating. A private ceremony of interment will immediately follow at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery for the family only. Visitation Services will be Monday, August 8th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Parker Mortuary.

Pallbearers will be Chuck Kohl, Tom Fortson, Dr. Michael Fitterling, Denny Frieze, George Gagle, and Roger Traver and alternate Al Horner. Honorary Pallbearers will be Virgil McCoy, Delmar Sutton, Tom Meadows, and the Rev. George Randall.

Since Ron will be interred in a vault, there will be no place for flowers at the cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made directly to South Joplin Christian Church 1901 Pearl, Joplin, MO 64804 in his memory or left at the funeral home. Donations may also be sent to Parker Mortuary 1502 Joplin St, Joplin, MO 64801 for the Area Agency on Aging.

Teresa would like to express her appreciation to the Area Agency on Aging, Hospice Compassus, Charlotte’s Angels LLC, American Heart Association, and The Alzheimer’s Association. Ron would like to leave this thought “Every day is a Gift from God.”