Charles Edward Van Cleave, Jr.

A graveside service for Charles Edward Van Cleave, Jr, 93, of Martins Mill, will be held at 2 pm Friday, January 29, 2021, at Holly Springs Cemetery in Martins Mill under the direction of Eubank Funeral Home in Canton.

Charles was born March 20, 1927 in Waco, Texas to Charles Edward Van Cleave, Sr and Elsie Lois Peterson Van Cleave. He had one younger sister, Anita Van Cleave Glass.

During high school, Charles joined the Navy. He served on the USS Benevolence during World War II. He stayed state side before the ship went out for it’s final voyage in 1945. He was a Golden Glove Champion for Waco High School. He graduated from Waco High School in 1945. Charles was a 1950 Baylor graduate with his Bachelors of Science Degree. While attending Baylor, he met the love of his life, Betty Jean Jansen. They were married on June 9, 1950 in Dallas, Texas at Gaston Avenue Baptist Church where they were faithful members. He was a huge fan of all Baylor sporting events and loved going to all of them. He proposed to Betty at the Homecoming game for Baylor vs TCU in Waco in 1949. Of course she said “Yes”. In 1953, he graduated from Southwestern Medical School in Dallas and specialized in surgery. He practiced medicine at Methodist Hospital in Oak Cliff in Dallas, TX. He became a well-known surgeon.

Charles and Betty were active members of Cliff Temple Baptist Church where he served as a deacon for many years. One day in 1964, his secretary, Maefayr Mitchell Hooton, came into his office and said “Let’s go for a ride”. She brought him to the Castleberry farm in Martins Mill and said this is the land for you. He purchased the land in 1964 and retired there with Betty in 1983. Everytime he crossed the Van Zandt county line he paused and took a deep breath. Then, he said “Smell that fresh air”. He loved it on his farm. He looked forward to 4pm everyday, that is when he got his Dr. Pepper. He was so excited to get his favorite drink. His famous words were “Yabby Dabby Doo – Deeee-licious!!!!” He was always ready to have his family, friends, and others over to catch fish at his farm. He always enjoyed pushing his grandsons in the swing and singing “Hi-Ho”, “Whistle while you work”, and other songs to them. He loved to hike in his woods. His strong faith and love for Jesus will be greatly missed by all.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 70 years, Betty, his parents, sister Anita Glass, son-in-law Gary Glenn Fain and granddaughter-in-law Adrian Fain.

Those left with cherished memories are his three children Charlotte Jean Pisors and husband Dan, Sharon Elizabeth Fain and Charles Steven Van Cleave, six grandchildren Michael John Keeney, Calvin Keeney, Drew Keeney, Ben Fain, Bryan Fain and Baylor Fain and wife Kelli, two great grandchildren Audie Fain and Asher Fain, one nephew Jimmy Parrish and his family along with a host of other beloved family and friends who will miss him dearly.

Viewing will be held from 4-6 pm Thursday afternoon at the funeral home. A graveside service will be Friday, January 29, 2021 at 2:00 pm at Holly Springs Cemetery in Martins Mill, Texas. For the safety of family and friends, masks are required and social distancing should be observed.