Cleo Mack Chambers

Captain Cleo M. Chambers, USMC, passed away peacefully on August 26, 2020 after a long period of Alzheimer's. Born in Valliant, Oklahoma on July 14, 1931, to sharecroppers, Daniel and Emma Chambers, Cleo enlisted and served in the United States Marine Corps, including the Korean War and the War in Vietnam, before retiring honorably in 1974 after 25 years. Post retirement, he continued to serve alongside former Lt. General Herman H. Nickerson, Jr., USMC, at the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) in Washington D.C. After retiring from that position in 1978, Cleo worked for Interstate Electronics Corp in Anaheim, CA until his final retirement in 1997.

A Master gardener, Cleo had the natural ability to cultivate both nature and human spirits. He had an innate wisdom to love and gently guide both roses and humans to blossom and achieve their maximum potential. He was loved and respected by all who knew him.

A loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, Cleo was predeceased by his father and mother, Daniel and Emma Chambers, sisters, Laura and Bertie, Brothers, Kenneth, Clifford and Julius, and his dogs, Smiley, Charley, Kelly, Sam, Max, Hana and Skye. He is survived by his loyal and loving wife of 67 years, Tatsuko Chambers, Daughters, Sharon Corkrum, Shadi Letson, Jeanie Ballard and Sonia Hinkley, Sons-in-Law, Robert Corkrum, Bill Letson, Robin Ballard and Jeff Hinkley, Grandsons, Joshua Chambers-Letson & Chad Hinkley, Granddaughters, Hei Young Koh, Cathy Corkrum and Lauren Klipp. Cleo’s living brothers and sisters and many nieces and nephews.

A 30-minute Military Honors Service will be held for Capt. Cleo M. Chambers, USMC at Riverside National Cemetery, located at 22495 Van Buren Blvd, Riverside, CA 92518 on Tuesday, September 22, 2020 at 10:45am.