Richard Nelson Cleer

He was born on April 24th, 1934 in Canton, IL to Robert and Lucy Cleer. Richard “Dick” found his love of the St. Louis Cardinals as a young boy listening to the radio where “Stan the Man Musial” brought the baseball diamond to life with his animated highlights and enthusiasm. He passed his love of the game to his son and granddaughter. Dick graduated from Canton High School. After high school he served in the Navy reserves and then had a successful 45-year career at Caterpillar Inc.

Dick met the love of his life, Janet in 1953 on a blind date on her 15th birthday. When he was called to report for duty to Florida to serve in the Korean War the next year, he and Janet eloped. They were married on August 30, 1954. After completing his service in the military and returning home, the two settled in Canton, IL where they welcomed their son, Michael Richard Cleer on April 24th, 1957.

Dick’s journey to becoming a grandfather started when he welcomed his bonus granddaughter, Cassie into his life followed shortly by the birth of his granddaughter Dawn Kay Cleer on August 31st, 1985.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters; Betty Cleer and Marilyn Utsinger, and is survived by his wife Janet, son Michael, and granddaughter Dawn as well as countless friends and family.

Services with be held at 11:00 am Thursday, June 20, 2024 at the Mausoleum chapel at Swan Lake Memory Gardens with Navy funeral honors. Entombment will follow.

Memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Condolences and memories may be shared through Davison-Fulton-BartonvilleChapel.com