Mr. Eugene Cleveland

Eugene Carson Cleveland went home to be with his heavenly father on May 25, 2017, at the age of 97. A graveside service celebrating his life will be at 10:00 am on Tuesday, May 30 at Restland Memorial Park Cemetery with Dr. Allen Tilley officiating. The family will receive friends and loved ones on Monday, May 29, from 6 to 8 pm at Hawthorn Funeral Home. Eugene was born on February 19, 1920 to John Grover and Carolyn Watson Cleveland in Chickasha, Oklahoma. He moved with his family from Oklahoma to Clovis, New Mexico, where he spent his childhood and met the love of his life, Arlene Slocum Cleveland. They were married on July 21, 1943, in New Orleans, Louisiana where he was stationed with the United States Navy, and were married for 69 years before her death in 2012. Eugene served in the United States Navy during World War II from January 7, 1942 through November 13, 1945. During his time in the Navy, he was awarded a letter of commendation for his part as a member of the armed guard in driving off enemy planes which attacked the merchant vessel on which he was stationed. His ship was sunk by German aerial torpedoes in the summer of 1942. His crew drove off one plane, damaged two others, and remained in their positions until ordered to abandon ship after one side was enveloped in flames. After Eugene’s discharge from the Navy, he and Arlene made their home in Clovis, New Mexico, where they raised their three children. He worked as an engineer for the Santa Fe Railroad until his retirement. In 1999, after they both retired, the couple moved from New Mexico to Carthage, Texas to be near their children and grandchildren. His greatest pleasure was his involvement in the lives of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Eugene is preceded in death by his wife Arlene Slocum Cleveland and son Bob Alan Cleveland. He is survived by two sisters, Louella Sealle of Clovis, New Mexico and Ruth McDaniel of Peralta, New Mexico, his son Kendall Cleveland and wife Debbie of Carthage and his daughter Kay McGough and husband Phil of Carthage. Grandchildren to cherish his memory are Janet and Brice Reddell of Carthage, Julie and Brad Dieter of Carthage, Bobby and Krystal Cleveland of Whitehouse, and Kory and Brittany Cleveland of Big Spring. Great grandchildren include: Jameson, Riley, and Brooklyn Reddell; Braden, Blake, and Jordyn Dieter; Lanie Cleveland; Gavin and Sadie Hanson, and Clay McDaniel. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Bobby Cleveland, Kory Cleveland, Brice Reddell, and Brad Dieter. The family would like to express a heartfelt thanks to Bethany Home Healthcare, Highland Park Home Health, Hearts Way Hospice, Briarcliff Skilled Nursing Center, and special friends Nikki Causey, Misti Gregory and Lacie LaGrone.

Tributes

Mr. Eugene Cleveland

February 19, 1920 - May 25, 2017