Mr. John Lewis Thurman Cloud

John Lewis Thurman Cloud, Sr., age 89, passed away on October 7, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. He was born on September 5, 1936, in Columbus to Fred and Mary Elizabeth (Black) Cloud as the second of four children. He lived in Columbus until May 1955, when he enlisted in the United States Air Force. John served on active duty until February 1959 as a teletype communication maintenance technician, including a year stationed in Iceland. After his discharge, he moved his parents and siblings to Westminster, California, where he began working in construction.

On August 22 of that year, he met the love of his life, LaVerna Hoffman. They married on October 18, 1959, and were blessed with five children. Together, they shared 66 of their most cherished years.

While building a career in construction, John continued his military service—first with the Air Force Reserves for four years and later with the Air National Guard for three. His years in uniform reflected a strong sense of duty and exceptional technical skill. Following his military service, he spent three years as a reserve police officer before opening and operating his own construction company. Although he eventually closed the business, he remained active in construction until nearing retirement in 1999. Even then, John was known for outworking younger colleagues with his speed, precision, and dedication.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, John was a man who treasured time with those around him. He found joy in traveling, working on cars, and hunting when time allowed. Above all else, he loved being surrounded by family—his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the many “extra kids” who became part of his extended circle over the years. John had a gift for making people laugh and helping everyone feel welcome.

John is survived by his beloved wife, LaVerna Cloud (Hoffman); his children John L. T. Cloud Jr., Belinda Cloud, and Deresa Cloud-Long; daughters-in-law Teresa Trostel and Pamela Cloud; and an additional blessing in his life, Kenny Alderson. His legacy continues through grandchildren LaDenia Fox (Cloud), Selayoa Lovett (Cloud), Kristina Clavel (Cloud), Zephaniah Cloud, Katrina Williams (Baldwin), Roger Long III, James Cloud, Angelica Cloud, Ezra Cloud, and Horatio Cloud; as well as seventeen great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents Fredrick and Mary Elizabeth Cloud (Black); his daughter LaDenia Reneé Cloud; his son Jason Lee G. Cloud; his sisters Martha Sowers and Doris Lipke; his nephew raised as a brother, Gene Frederick Cloud; and his son-in-law Roger Long Jr.

At his request, no ceremony or service will be held.