Harley Edwin McCleary

Grand Junction, Colorado

Harley Edwin McCleary, 84, passed away at the Genesis Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Grand Junction, CO on May 3rd, 2020. Harley was born on May 15, 1935 in Rural Davis County, Iowa, the son of Ray I. McCleary and Ocie M Longerbone McCleary. Harley graduated from Batavia High School in 1954 and joined the U.S. Army in 1957. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Patricia McCleary; children, Cheryl (Mike) Czerwinsky El Paso, TX, Michael John (Winny) McCleary Wheatland, CA, Dianna McCleary, El Paso, TX, and stepson, George Pitteruff of Falls Church, VA; 9 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his sister, Betty Lou (Jack) Pumphrey of Batavia, IA; and sister’s-in-law, Kay McCleary and Marge McCleary. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Agnes (Charles) Sickles, Alice (Vic) Thomsen; and six brothers: Stanley, Lloyd, Harvey, Allen, Tom and David; and his granddaughter, Lesley Ann Czerwinsky. Harley proudly served his country for 25 years in the U.S. Army and retired as a Master Sergeant. During that time, he served at several duty stations, to include overseas tours. The military life took Harley and his family around the world. Harley was a member of the Kilwinning Masonic Lodge in Batavia, IA; and a member of the Clifton Christian Church in Colorado.

He was an avid collector of many things; he was well known at local auctions and garage sales. Harley and Pat loved to travel, especially to visit family and friends. Harley enjoyed fishing and hunting, and upon retirement fishing became his passion. He also enjoyed musical instruments and loved playing the violin and banjo. Harley will be remembered as thoughtful, caring, loved telling jokes, and someone with a heart of gold. We miss and love him very much.

Memorial services will be held July 10, 2021 at 1:00 pm at Calvary Baptist Church in Batavia, IA, with military graveside services following at Batavia Cemetery.