Cleveland Dwain Farrell, Sr. "Cleve"

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not my ways.” This is the Lord’s declaration. “For as heaven is higher than earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55: 8-9

Cleveland Dwain Farrel, Sr. went home to be with his Lord & Savior on December 6, 2025, at the age of 85. He was born on February 2, 1940, to Willie and Ida Farrel. He was raised in Haskell, Texas where he attended school. He earned a bachelor’s in business from Missouri State, and an associate’s degree in biblical studies from International Bible Institute.

Cleve served his country in the US Army and in the Air Force Reserves.

Cleve married Jo, the love of his life on April 2, 1966. They enjoyed 59 wonderful years together. Along with raising four daughters and one son, life was always an adventure. Cleve enjoyed family get togethers, singing and reminiscing of stories from years gone by.

He was a business owner in the transportation industry. When he retired, he and his wife enjoyed many trips with their best friends of 56 years Johnny and Hollie Price. They traveled to the Holy Lands, Garner State Park, Branson, hunting and many other adventures. A favorite weekly outing was attending the community opry and listening to the oldies.

Cleve enjoyed hunting and fishing. He loved collecting old coins and spent hours sorting and researching them. He loved reading a good book especially his Bible.

Cleve was a long-time church member, and he served in many different capacities. He was honored to attend many mission trips and instrumental in helping to build 32 churches and ministering to the people of Mexico. Cleve was also a licensed and ordained minister. He served as the Associate Pastor of Houston NW Four Square Church.

Cleve served on the board of directors for the Harris County Emergency Corp and was an active member of the Greenspoint Chamber of Commerce.

Cleve never met a stranger. He was always up for conversation and sharing stories. He loved to laugh and sing. Most recently his nurses loved hearing him sing old songs and would often sing with him or at times sing to him. He enjoyed spending time with his children and hearing all about their day-to-day adventures.

Cleve is preceded in death by his parents, Willie & Ida Farrel of Haskell, Texas, brother Bill Farrel, sister-n-law Beverly, nephew Chris Farrel, daughter Carla Frels Williams, son-in-law Robert Williams, Father-n-Law Willie A. Wendland and mother-in-law Irma Wendland.

Cleve is survived by his wife of 59 years Jo Farrell, his daughter Penny Ainsworth, their son Cleveland Dwain Farrell, Jr. “Bubba” (Kimberly - the favorite daughter-in-law), daughter Carrie Harrison (Allen), and Kelley Sikes (Troy). Grandchildren: Larry Curry, Carly Filbin (Hunter), Matthew Frels, Jamie Roucloux, Jillian Kadera (Kassie), Kaylyn Leland (Austin) and Ryan Harrison (Kendall). Great Grandchildren, Olivia Roucloux and Mazie Leland; and Nephew David Farrel.

Jo and the family thank all of you for your prayers, visits, phone calls and loving support.

In Lieu of flowers please donate to Envelopes for Hope

A series of services will be held at the American Heritage Funeral Home, located at 10710 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038. The schedule is as follows:

- A Gathering will take place on December 30, 2025, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.

- A Celebration of Life will follow on December 30, 2025, from 11:15 am to 12:15 pm.

- A Committal Service will be held at the Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77038, on December 30, 2025, from 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm.

- A Reception will be held at the American Heritage Funeral Home on December 30, 2025, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.