James Frederick “Fred” Cleaver, 85, of St. Clair Township, died Saturday, August 6, 2016.
He was born May 4, 1931 in Pontiac to the late James and Marguerite Cleaver.
Fred graduated from Port Huron High School in 1950 and served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict. Following his service, he taught business classes at St. Stephen Catholic High School from 1955-1960. He was employed at Selfridge Air Force Base for a short time and then with the St. Clair County Road Commission for 20 years.
Fred was an avid antique car collector owning several cars over the years including a Wills Ste Clair, Pierce-Arrow, Packard, and Model A; and was instrumental in establishing the Wills Ste Claire Auto Museum in Marysville. He was a long time member of St. Joseph Catholic Church where he sang in the choir. He was also past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Chapter 9526. Fred was an avid hunter and past president of the Blue Water Sportsmans Association.
He is survived by his children, Gregory (Val) Cleaver, Douglas (Lynn) Cleaver and Ann (Michael) Green; eleven grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren; brothers, Albert (Ann) and James Cleaver; sister, Barbara (William) McFadden; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wives, Mary Alice and Rosemary.
Visitation will be from 2-4 and 7-9 pm Wednesday in Karrer-Simpson Funeral Home. The Knights of Columbus will recite the Rosary at 2 pm.
Mr. Cleaver will lie in state from 10 am until the time of the Funeral Mass at 11 am on Thursday, August 11, 2016 in Holy Trinity Parish St. Joseph Catholic Church. The Reverend Jeffrey Allan will officiate.
Burial will follow in Riverlawn Cemetery, Marysville. Military Honors will be conducted under the auspices of the United States Air Force and St. Clair County Allied Veterans Honor Guard.
Memorials may be made to Holy Trinity Parish St. Joseph Catholic Church or to the Wills Ste Claire Auto Museum.
