Deon Robert Van Cleave

Deon R. Van Cleave, age 91, passed away on Sunday, June 16, 2024. He was born February 11, 1933, in Ogden, to Robert L. and Dora Ferrin Van Cleave.

He graduated from Ogden High School in 1951, attended Weber Junior College, and graduated from Utah State University with a Bachelors of Science in Tool Engineering. While he was attending Utah State he served in the Marine Reserves from February 1952 to May 1955.

During his attendance at Utah State University, he met the love of his life, Loma Peterson. They were married after his graduation on June 16, 1956, and celebrated 62 years together before her death in 2018. Prior to their retirement, Deon and Loma traveled the world and were able to visit many countries. After retiring, they traveled extensively in their motorhome throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico. In their later years they spent winters in Double Adobe, Arizona.

He began his professional career with Marquardt Corp in California, moving back to Ogden when they built the new Ogden Plant. He also worked at E-Systems-Montek Division, Pacific Chromalox, and retired from Williams International as the Director of Technical Services.

Deon was a past Master Counselor of the Ogden Chapter Order of DeMolay and received the degree of Chevalier and the Legion of Honor. He was the Advisor to the Chapter for many years and received the Cross of Honor. He was also a member of George Washington Lodge #24, F&AM and Golden Spike Lodge #6.

He was an avid trapshooter, winning many trophies in most of the Western States. One notable accomplishment was breaking the first 100 straight from 27 yards in the history of the Ogden Gun Club. He completed his first Grand Slam in 1990 and received three more titles subsequently.

Deon is survived by his son, Jon; granddaughters, Shantel (Braden) Peterson and Whitney (Mat) Anderson; four great-grandsons: Aiden, Kasen, Bryker, McKoy; and brother, Tom (Bonnie) Van Cleave. He was preceded in death by his wife, Loma; daughter, Julie Ann; and brothers, Frank Lee and Roger.

The family would like to express their deepest thanks to the staff and management at Avamere at Mt. Ridge, especially the Arbor Unit, and A+ Hospice for the loving care they gave Deon.

Graveside service will be held on Friday, June 21, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Lindquist’s Memorial Gardens of the Wasatch, 1718 Combe Rd, Ogden, Utah, where Deon will be buried with his wife Loma and next to his daughter Julie Ann. Friends and Family are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Shriners Hospital for Children, P O Box 1525, Ranson WV 25438-4510, 855-365-4438, https://lovetotherescue.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/115002175388-How-can-I-donate-to-Shriners-Children-s