Melvin H. McCleery, age 89, of May went to be with the Lord on Friday, November 23, 2012 in Abilene, Texas. Visitation will be Sunday, November 25 from 5 pm to 8 pm at Davis-Morris Funeral Home, 800 Center Ave. in Brownwood. Funeral Services will be Monday, November 26 at 2 pm at the May United Methodist Church in May, Texas. Burial will follow at the May Cemetery.
Melvin was born on May 4, 1923 in Vici, Oklahoma to Lynn and Ellen McCleery. He graduated from Holliday High School, Holliday Texas in 1941. Melvin married Mary Lou Walker on September 13, 1945 in San Antonio. He served his country 3 times when it called, the first was with the US Army Air Corps during WWII. After his discharge he was called back to duty during WWII and again during the Korean War. After leaving the military he opened Melvin’s Clothiers in Odessa in 1956 and operated it with his brother until 1994. He and Mary Lou came to May on a full time basis in 1994 to run their ranch. Melvin was a 65 year Master Mason who grew up with his grandfather from whom he learned his work ethic. Melvin was a member of the May United Methodist Church and the “Chuck Wagon Gang” in Odessa.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Lou McCleery of May; son, Howard McCleery and his wife Brenda of Poetry, Texas; daughter, Kathy Rowe of May; 4 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his 5 siblings. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of choice. Condolences for the family can be left at www.davismorrisfuneralhome.com.
