Kenneth L. Cleaver

Kenneth L. Cleaver, age 91 a resident of Runk and Pratt at Smith Mountain Lake, passed away on Monday, May 7, 2018. He was born on March 10, 1927, the second son of John and Irene Cleaver in Saunemin, Illinois. After serving in the Army during World War II, he used his GI bill benefits to complete his education at the University of Illinois graduating at the top of his class. He went to New York City and pursued a stellar business career. It was in NY that he met his lovely wife Maria on a blind date. They were married for 60 years when she preceded him in death in 2013. Ken is survived by his daughter, Deborah and her husband, Michael Yutko of Rocky Mount, VA; his son Christopher and his wife Leslie of Hudson, NH; five grandchildren, Stephanie Cambria, Nicole Cleaver, Michael Yutko, Kristine Cleaver, and Kenneth James Cleaver; two great-granddaughters, Maddelyn Cleaver and Olivia Cambria; and his loved former daughter-in-law, Marybeth Cleaver. Per Ken’s wishes, there will be no services. His ashes, as well as those of his wife Maria and their daughter Karen, who passed away in 2016 will be scattered at a later date over Glacier Bay, Alaska. While they travelled all over the world, Ken and Maria said Alaska was their favorite place and they wanted that to be their final resting place. The family intends to honor their wishes and provide them with one last trip to Alaska. Arrangements by Conner-Bowman Funeral Home and Crematory, 62 VA Market Place Drive, Rocky Mount, VA 24151…540-334-5151…www.connerbowman.com