William C. Cleaver

William Clyde Cleaver

On Thursday, August 18, 2022, William Clyde Cleaver died. Born May 3, 1935 to Emily Jane and Richard Benton Cleaver in Chicago, Illinois. He graduated from Brecksville high school in 1954 and enlisted in the Navy. He served eight years and was trained in explosive ordinance disposal. He was stationed in Long Beach, California and Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. He was witness to the testing of atom bombs on the Bikini islands and sailed around Japan following the Korean Armistice.  He befriended the chef at the noncommissioned officers club which began his love of cooking and hospitality that became his life's work.  After his return to Brecksville, The "Barman" license plates were seen over the next 40 years at The Mark, Spanish Tavern, Johnny Garneau's, Kevin's and Pipers where he made many friends with staff and customers.  He was known as Mr. Bill during his decades of part time employment as a school bus driver.  

 Bill lived a simple life, he was quiet and kind. He loved Sirius Radio 50's Gold, saw Frank Sinatra three times, loved to dance, collected vintage Thunderbird cars and a vast amount of antiques.    Loyal to those he loved, and they to him. He will be dearly missed. 

He is survived by his daughter, Debra Gearhart (Robert) and son, Richard D. Cleaver, grandsons: Richard John Cleaver, Thomas Trojan, Robert Gearhart, Jr. (Shawna) Michael Gearhart (Emily) and 3 great grandchildren. Also surviving is his sister Jane Cleaver Becker (Thomas) of Chautauqua, NY and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his Mother and best friend, Emily.   

A graveside service will take place Friday, August 26, 2022 at 11:00 at the Brecksville Cemetery 9012 Highland Drive, Brecksville, Ohio 44141.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cleveland Food Bank, 15500 S Waterloo Rd, Cleveland, OH 44110 or at https://www.greaterclevelandfoodbank.org.   

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