Tommy E. and Helen F. Cleaver

Tommy E. Cleaver, 88, and Helen F. Cleaver, 94, of Kokomo, passed away on Monday, March 25, 2024, and Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at Century Villa Health Care & Rehabilitation, in Greentown.

Tommy was born on January 6, 1936, in Georgetown, AR, to Sammie and Minnie (Newby) Cleaver. He graduated from West Point High School in 1954. He went on to own and operate Tom Cleaver Roofing for over 50 years, before retiring. Tommy loved to walk around town and mow his yard. Overall, he enjoyed spending time outside. As a child, Tommy raised a colt named Baby; he had a kind heart and loved animals. Tommy loved to sing and even sang and hummed a little, in his final days. He was a hardworking man, who loved to take care of his wife.

Helen was born on August 14, 1929, in Bald Knob, AR, to William “Bill” and Sophia (Duke) Roberson. She received her high school diploma from Indiana University Kokomo and was a homemaker for most of her life. Helen was a great artist who loved to paint. She loved flowers, gardening, sewing quilts, and fishing. Helen had a great joy for writing and listening to music. She loved to shop and always enjoyed a trip back to her hometown in Arkansas.

Tommy and Helen were married in Kokomo, IN, on November 23, 1957. They spent a devoted 67 years together, and shared a large, loving family together. They loved spending time with their family, especially their children and grandchildren.

Tommy and Helen are survived by their children, Cliff (Leoda) Duke, Tammy (significant other, Jeff) Perry, Tommy E. (Brooke) Cleaver II, Angela (Phil) Beckner, Jennifer (Brian) Wyant, Tonya (Tom) Powell, and Edward (Lynn) Cleaver; son-in-law, Gary Cain; grandchildren, Sherry Vandevender, Lacey Perry, Kristin McHugh, Andrew Beckner, Megan Maddox, Thomas Powell, James W. Maddox III, Tommy E. Cleaver III, Mitchell Maddox, Ashleigh Rayn, Gennifer Jarvis, Madison Cleaver, Jake Cleaver, Samuel Cleaver, Brenten Welcher, Haley Bond, Penny Mack, and Zachary Abney; numerous great-grandchildren; Tommy’s sister, Ruby Smith; and Helen’s sisters, Sally Chandler and Betty Zehring.

They were preceded in death by their parents; daughter, Patty Cain; 4 babies; granddaughter, Patty Thacker; Tommy’s 9 siblings; and Helen’s 4 brothers.

The family would like to give a special thanks to the staff at Century Villa in Greentown, for their kindness and compassion to Tommy and Helen, in their time of need.

Friends may visit with the family from 10 am until 12 pm, on Monday, April 1, 2024, at Shirley and Stout Funeral Home, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo. A memorial service will follow the visitation, starting at 12 pm on Monday, at the funeral home, with Reverend Robin Wentworth-Mayer officiating. Burial will follow in Galveston Cemetery. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

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