Arnold Harvey Cleveland

Arnold Harvey Cleveland of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away on March 25, 2026. He was born to Edna Charlotte and Newcomb Lee Cleveland in Fairfax, Missouri, on May 15, 1965. He was the fifth of seven children who grew up on a farm with a runway in the backyard. It was there that Harvey developed a love of flying with his dad, a passion that followed him throughout his life.

He pursued this passion at CMSU (now UCM), earning an Associate’s and Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Technology while working 3 jobs. During college, Harvey met Kim Burton, and the two were married shortly after graduation on October 15, 1988. Together they had two beautiful children who made them very proud. The marriage lasted for 33 years, and they remained friends in the years that followed.

After graduating, Harvey worked as a machinist for Bremson Data while obtaining his instrument and instructor ratings. He later worked at Safewings as both a pilot and mechanic for several years before starting his own charter company, Cornerstone Air Charter, realizing his dream of becoming a self-employed pilot. As a flight instructor, Harvey formed many lifelong friendships- one of which led to his next career as a plant manager for Unitex. After many years at Unitex, he returned to working as a flight instructor and as pilot for Falcon Skydiving.

Among his many notable accomplishments, Harvey served as a test pilot for experimental aircrafts, mostly Airdrome Aeroplanes, and performed as a stunt pilot in three major motion pictures: Flyboys, Amelia, and Game of Aces. He also appeared on the National Geographic television show Mad Scientist as the pilot of an experimental electric airplane. He was also a member of the Dawn Patrol, where he performed aerobatic stunts for the Columbia, MO annual Memorial Day airshow. Outside of his aviation achievements Harvey also completed the MR 340 kayak race from Kansas City to St. Charles, Missouri.

Harvey was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Roger Lee Cleveland. He is survived by his 2 children, Haylee Cleveland and Riley Cleveland, his sisters, Kathy (H.C.) Pennel, Jo (Fred) Chambers, Margo (Scott) Krawiec, Karen (Tom) Anderson, brother Don (Meredith) Cleveland, 6 nieces and 5 nephews.

Harvey will be remembered for his passion for flying, his adventurous spirit, and the lasting friendships he built throughout his life. Harvey will be laid to rest at Evergreen Cemetery in Osborn, Missouri. A Celebration of Life will be held on April 11, 2026 at 1:00pm at Grain Valley airport.