John D Cleaver

John D. Cleaver, 74, of Wilmington, Ohio passed away Thursday, September 22, 2022 at Hospice of Dayton.  His wife, Cheri Cleaver, whom he married August 30, 1991, survives.  Mr. Cleaver was born January 21, 1948 in Dayton, Ohio, son of the late Horace “Bud” Cleaver and Lillie Cole Cleaver.  He was a 1966 graduate of Clinton Massie High School and earned his associate degree from Southern State Community College.

Prior to his retirement, Mr. Cleaver had worked at Valley Steel and Airborne Express.  He loved coaching youth sports.  From 1980 to 2016, John coached various football, baseball, and basketball teams in the community and was a positive influence for many boys.  He was a member of First Christian Church in Wilmington and the Clinton Massie Sports Hall of Fame.  He enjoyed traveling and was an avid Ohio State Football fan.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Cleaver is survived by children, Rob (Jennifer) Cleaver of Lebanon, Ohio, Chris Cleaver of Eastgate, Ohio, Jennifer Day Seward of Wilmington, Ohio, and Josh (Brandie) Day of Wilmington, Ohio; brothers, Mike Cleaver of Wilmington, Ohio and Tim Cleaver of Wilmington, Ohio; sisters, LaVon Davis of Arizona, Debbie (Jim) Wood of Oregon, and Barb (Everett) Lewis of Wilmington, Ohio; grandchildren, Zac Cleaver, Anna Cleaver, Andrew Cleaver, Jessica Seward, Drake Cole, and Cameron Holbert; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Chuck Ballard, and a sister, Deana Dixon.

The family will receive friends from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM, Sunday, October 2, 2022 at Smith Funeral Home, 327 N. South, Wilmington, Ohio.  A graveside service at Sugar Grove Cemetery will be held 11:00 AM, Monday, October 3, 2022.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in John’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., 17th Floor, Chicago, IL 60601, Hospice of Dayton, 324 Wilmington Avenue, Dayton, Ohio 45420, or to First Christian Church - Disciples of Christ, 120 Columbus Street, Wilmington, Ohio 45177.

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