The obituary, shown below, was originally published in the July 15, 2022
issue of
The Daily Local News (West Chester, PA).
George Harvey Cleaves, 84, a lifelong resident of Kennett Square, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday, July 12, 2022. He was the husband of Joyce Stanley Cleaves for 60 years. Born in Wilmington, DE he was the son of the late George T. and Amanda Cloud Cleaves. In addition to his wife, he is survived by 3 children: Barbara (John) Hurd of Swedesboro, NJ, Jane (Drew) Yerkes of West Grove, John (Jan) Cleaves of Sarasota, FL, 5 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, a niece, Elaine Jones Locke of Rochester Hills, MI, and many cousins. He was preceded in death by a sister, Janet Cleaves Jones, and a niece, Susan Jones Hébert George earned a business degree from Goldey-Beacom College and served his country in the Marine Corps. George worked in the trucking industry for 52 years, starting at the age of 16 assisting his parents with George T. Cleaves Trucking. In 1974, he began working for Glennon’s Milk Service/Boler Petroleum of West Chester; then Chemical Leaman/Quality Carriers until his retirement. He drove over 4 million miles. After his retirement, he was a bus driver for Kennett Consolidated School District/Krapf School Bus Company. He enjoyed interacting with the children. He was a member of the American Truck Historical Society and the Antique Truck Club of America. He enjoyed old roads, old bridges, old gas stations, and old diners. Most of all, George had a deep love for his Lord, family, and friends. He attended Chadds Ford Baptist Church. Proverbs 3:5-6 were his life verses. A Celebration of Life service will take place on Saturday, July 23, at 12 p.m. at Chadds Ford Baptist Church, 415 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, PA with a time to greet the family from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in George’s memory to: City Gate Mission, 17 N. 7th Ave. Coatesville, PA 19320; Prison Outreach of Delaware, Inc., Box 7633, Newark, DE 19714-7633; or County Corrections Gospel Mission, 127 Brandamore Rd., Honey Brook, PA 19344. shiveryfuneralhome.com