Obituary: Vernon K. Cleaves, 88, of Wallingford

Information via Wallingford Funeral Home

Vernon K. Cleaves of Wallingford passed peacefully on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2020 after a brief illness. He was born in Easton, Maine on July 25, 1931, the son of the late Almon and Neva “Shirley” Cleaves.

Vern was a Vocational Agriculture teacher at Sherman Mills High School in Sherman Mills, Maine from 1953-1960. He was the Director of the Vo-Ag Program at Lyman Hall High School in Wallingford from 1960 until his retirement in 1990. He served on the building committees for each of the Vo-Ag centers at Lyman Hall. He was the advisor of the FFA chapter during his tenure. Vern was passionate about farming and teaching younger generations. He inspired countless students to pursue fields in agriculture.

He was an active member of the First Congregational Church in Wallingford. He served as an usher, the Board of Deacons, and the Board of Trustees.

Vern was also a lifelong Mason, joining the Molunkus Lodge in Sherman Mills in 1953. When he moved to Connecticut, he re-affiliated with Compass Lodge #9. He then joined the Scottish Rite in 1980, receiving his 33rd degree in 1989. He served as Secretary for the Valley of New Haven for many years and was made an emeritus member in 2017. He was secretary of the CT Council of Deliberation, becoming an emeritus member in 2017. He was a member of the York Rite Bodies of CT with the Franklin Chapter and Harmony Council. His other affiliations included Puissant Sovereign of the Red Cross of Constitine, past president of the Dusis Society, Member of the Sphinx Shriners Directors Staff, Royal Order of Jesters, and Royal Order of Scotland. He joined the Sphinx Shriners in 1981, serving as the Potentate in 1997 and the Chaplain for a number of years. His Masonic brethren were his family and he was passionate about the work the organizations did serving sick children and others in need.

He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Patsy Cleaves and a devoted daughter Madeline Hendricks. He was predeceased by his beloved son, Vernon Ellis Cleaves. He is also survived by a daughter-in-law, Janet Cleaves; grandchildren - Jennifer Farina (Antonio), Michael Shaw (Brenda), Kelly Lyn Sheppard (Kelly) and Randall Vernon (Kym). His great-grandchildren were the light of his life-Leo Vernon, Lukas, Lexi, Jeffrey, Kyle, Wade and Conner. He is also survived by his brother, James Cleaves and his wife Lorraine; his sister Christina Arnold; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Melvin Cleaves. His humor, wisdom and kindness will be missed by all.

Calling hours will be 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 7 at the Wallingford Funeral Home, 809 North Main St. Ext. A funeral service will be held at the First Congregational Church in Wallingford at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make donations to the Shriners Hospital for Children Springfield, 516 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104 or Masonic Charity Foundations PO BOX 70, Wallingford, CT 06492.

For more information and to leave online condolences, visit Wallingford Funeral Home here.