Donald Dean Cleveland
Donald Dean Cleveland aka Clevy, was born in Ballantine, MT Nov 22, 1932 leaving for heaven on July 31, 2020 dying peacefully in his sleep. You will be forever loved and missed. Thanks for your guidance.
He was born to DeForest and Verna Cleveland, their last surviving son of 6 boys.
Don proudly served in the Navy from 1950-1954. He served on ships that ran sonar looking for submarines. He talked of the aircraft landing on the ships and the flights he went up in. He learned to fly and later owned his own plane until the Montana hail took it out.
With his dementia he traveled many places never leaving his apartment. He told Jill recently he was going flying that afternoon. He said it will be nice to get out in the plane.
Don married Geraldine “Gerry” Erb and into this union were children, LeAnn, Scott, Janice Webb (Lynn) and Jeff (Nadinne).
Don graduated from Eastern Montana College with a teaching degree and got his Masters at University of Montana. He was a Griz through and through. He taught math to many a junior high student.
Don later married Jane Jacques in 1977 (a Griz) and brought two more children, Jill Wilson (Doug) and Jackie Williams (Lloyd) into his family. It was jokingly noted as the Lewis & Clark Junior High scandal when the two teachers married.
Don lived at West Park Village for many years and that Village gave loving care right to his last breath. No words can express the gratitude his family has for each staff member, especially during the difficult pandemic
Don is preceded in death by his parents De & Verna, brothers Bob, Roy, Jim, Fred, Walt, his beloved wife Janey and Grandson Kevin Zahn.
He is survived by 4 children, 2 step-children, 5 grandsons Kris Brester (Emily) Nathan Zahn (Jenna), Jessie Brester, Josh Schaff (Haylee), and Brian Webb, 7 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews.
Thanks Dr. Phillips and Roxie for the years of caring.
Stillwater Hospice helped make this last month of Don’s life more bearable for Don and family.
Don did not want a service. He will be interred near his parents in Ballantine.
Memorials can be made to Stillwater Hospice or the charity of your choice.
