Bill Cleve

Mr. William D. "Bill" Cleve passed away Friday afternoon, April 3, 2009, at the Camelot Nursing Center, in Farmington, at the age of 85 years, 2 months & 21 days. Bill was the son of Walter Louis Cleve and Bertha Estella 'Hoehn' Cleve. Also preceding-in-death were: 1 Sister, Sylvia Larkin and 1 Brother, Melvin Louis "Shorty" Cleve.

Bill was a longtime and faithful member of Memorial United Methodist Church of Farmington, serving for over 50 years as an usher and over 20 years as the "Head Usher." Bill was a US Army Air Corps Veteran of World War II, and was awarded 2 Bronze Stars for his action in New Guinea and the Southern Philippines campaigns. Bill was past Post-Commander of Norman L. Rigdon VFW Post #5896 of Farmington. Bill was a former Farmington City Ward II Councilman (1988-1998), and was the Sales Manager for 35 years at Fitz Chevrolet in Farmington. Bill was instrumental in forming the Farmington Auxiliary Police Department in 1957. Bill attained the rank of Colonel. Bill and Alma Dean Boswell were united in marriage on Jan. 12, 1947.

Survivors Include : his wife of 62 years, Alma Dean 'Boswell' Cleve, of Farmington. 1 Son, Larry (& Mary) Cleve, of Fredericktown. 5 Sisters: Virginia Rickus, of Farmington; Bettie (Mrs. Dr. C. E. "Bud") Carleton, of Farmington; Mrs. Barbara Cortor, of Farmington; Ruby 'Mrs. Jim' Gifford, of Farmington, and Carol Cleve, of St. Louis. 2 Brothers: Walter Thomas "Sonny" (& Vicki) Cleve, of Farmington; Ray Linn (& Nancy) Cleve, of St. Louis. 1 Sister-In-Law: Dolores Cleve, of Farmington; 1 Brother-In-Law: Phil Larkin, of St. Louis. Also surviving are numerous Nieces & Nephews.

Visitation : Monday, 5-8 p.m., resuming Tuesday at 6:30 a.m.

Funeral : Tuesday, 10:00 a.m., April 7, 2008,

at : TAYLOR Funeral Service CHAPEL, with Dr. Rick Broadway officiating.

Interment : Hillview Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Farmington.

Memorials to : Memorial United Methodist Church