Larry Bryan Van Cleave

Larry B. Van Cleave, Lt Col, U.S. Air Force, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at 10:27 a.m. EST, at the age of 77. As a veteran and career officer, he truly embodied the Air Force motto of “Service Before Self.” Larry lived a selfless life devoted to his family and country. He was a dedicated member of Celebration United Methodist Church in Gainesville, FL, and retired after more than 31 years of active-duty service in the U.S. Air Force on August 31, 2001.

Larry was born in Sacramento, CA, on March 2, 1947, to Ray and Florence Van Cleave (née Ganshaw). He attended college at the University of South Florida in Tampa, FL, where he met Cathy Moseley, the love of his life and wife of 51 years (deceased). Larry graduated in 1970 with a B.S. in Business Administration. Fully aware of the possibility of deployment to Vietnam, he voluntarily enlisted in the U.S. Air Force as an Airman 1st Class. After five years, Larry was selected for commissioning as a first lieutenant on October 6, 1973. During his assignment to Elmendorf AFB in Anchorage, AK, he and Cathy welcomed their first child, Russ.

Larry's drive and intellect propelled him to attend the Air Force Institute of Technology, where he mastered complex mathematics and earned a Master’s Degree from the School of Systems and Logistics in 1978. Shortly after defending his thesis on a dynamic systems model for managing military logistics, Larry and Cathy celebrated the birth of their second child, Andrew.

In 1982, while assigned to Ft. Detrick in Frederick, MD, Larry and Cathy welcomed their third child, Raina. During his assignment with the Air Force Medical Logistics Office (AFMLO), Larry introduced the concept of Decentralized Blanket Purchase Agreements (DBPAs), written by the Defense Personnel Support Center (now DLA Troop Support). This innovation revolutionized how Air Force hospitals conducted local purchasing, drastically reducing pipeline times for cutting-edge commercial products.

As Larry advanced through the ranks, his leadership came to define his later career in Air Force Medical Treatment Facilities. While stationed at Scott AFB hospital, Larry oversaw the cleanup of one of the largest radiation contamination incidents in Air Force history. In the wake of a local cover-up attempt, Larry insisted on transparency and accountability. His hallmark honesty, integrity, and steadfast commitment to doing the right thing earned him the trust and admiration of all who knew him.

During the Gulf War in 1991, Larry served as the administrator of a USAF contingency field hospital in Oman, where he saw his expertise in medical logistics applied to treating sick and wounded military personnel. Upon returning to the U.S., Larry received his final assignment, returning to AFMLO at Ft. Detrick. After 31 years, four months, and 16 days of service, Larry retired with an honorable discharge as a Lieutenant Colonel. Among his many accomplishments during his career was leading the massive Y2K readiness effort, ensuring every medical computer system and device was fully prepared for the transition to the year 2000.

Larry retired to Gainesville, FL, where he worked as a facility manager at a civilian hospital. True to his lifelong values, he remained active in his community and church, serving others with unwavering faith and humility.

Larry’s passing, the day after Veterans Day, carries deep symbolism. A man who prepared for the worst in combat passed away in peace, echoing the Armistice signing that ended one of the world’s greatest conflicts.

Among his many awards and decorations were the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, four Meritorious Service Medals, four Air Force Commendation Medals, and a Joint Service Commendation Medal.

Larry is survived by his children, Raina, Andrew, and Russ; his siblings, Melinda and Fred; his grandchildren, Harper and Ari; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Cathy.

Funeral arrangements are currently in progress. The family might hold a local service in Gainesville, FL, and will have a service with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery. Further details will be shared when available.