Cleveland, John Walter



John Walter Cleveland, 80, died April 6, 2016 after a long illness.

Born April 10, 1935 in Lockhart, Texas to John J. Johnson and Riche M. Hill-Johnson Cleveland, he was predeceased by his mother and father, infant daughter Carole Anne Cleveland (died 1957) and son John Thomas Cleveland (died 2014).

Surviving to cherish his precious memory: son Christopher Paul Cleveland, Albuquerque; grandsons Christopher Paul Cleveland, Jr., and Connor Gunn Cleveland, Albuquerque; brother Dale Paul Cleveland (Cynthia), Beverly Hills, CA; sister Riche R. Cleveland Snow (Rick), Savannah, GA; nephews Richard Mounkes (Tonya), Savannah, GA; Eric Cleveland (Jackie), Myrtle Beach, SC; Paul Mounkes (Cheryl), Atlanta, GA; Michael Cleveland, Los Angeles, CA; nieces Diana Tuten (Brian), Savannah, GA, and Christina Cleveland, Philadelphia, PA; daughter-in-law, Bonnie Cleveland, Albuquerque; a host of great nieces and nephews, as well as countless Marine Corps League "brothers".

As a youngster, John lived in numerous cities in Texas and New Mexico, settling in Albuquerque in 1947. He played football for, and graduated from Albuquerque High School in 1952, then attended NM A&M University in Las Cruces through 1953 when he joined the Marine Corps. While on active duty, he represented the USMC as a boxer, and after his boxing days ended, he was involved in the development of Sonar for the duration of his duty. He married Bettie Sue Slover in Dominguez, CA in June of 1956. Having achieved the rank of Sergeant, he was honorably discharged from the USMC in August, 1956.

John graduated from UNM with a BSEE in 1962. He worked as a Staff Engineer for Honeywell Missile Systems, ACF Industries, Sparton Southwest, and at Vinson Associates as a Sales Engineer. In 1969, he went into business for himself as Cleveland Enterprises, Inc., an Electronics Manufacturers Representative company which supplied various vacuum systems, pumps, parts, and materiel to Los Alamos National Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratory and other government entities. He started the Ideas in Science & Electronics Trade Show held in Albuquerque and managed it for 3 years. In 1985, he started Ultimate Vacuum Designs Corporation, and in 1997 started Global Scientific Alliance.

John was a member of the Albuquerque Jaycees. He was voted "Outstanding Young Man", and was Chairman of the Jaycee Indoor Invitational Track Meet for seven years.

In 1996, John joined the Marine Corps League. He was elected as Jerry Murphy Detachment 381 Commandant, Department of New Mexico Commandant, 1997 and 1998, and as National Vice Commandant for the Rocky Mountain Division. He credited his upstanding values, tireless and honest work ethic, and leadership abilities to his beloved Marine Corps. He was and will forever remain the consummate Marine.

John Walter Cleveland never knew a stranger. He was bigger than life, literally and figuratively, and had a huge positive impact on anyone blessed enough to know him. His laugh filled the universe. His smile lit up the room. His hugs were genuine, given freely, and unforgettable. He was generous almost to a fault, and above all else in life, he deeply loved, provided for, and protected his children and entire family. He held a deep and abiding faith in God, and was a devout Christian. His faith carried him in peace through his difficult illness, the loss of two children, and his final days on this earth.

The family wishes to thank the doctors and nurses at Albuquerque VA Hospital for excellent medical care given to John for many years. They knew and loved him, as does everyone who crossed his path. Heartfelt thanks go to his close friends, neighbors, and Marine Corps League brothers who were lovingly devoted to helping him in so many ways.

Visitation and Viewing: 5:00-7:00 PM Wednesday, April 13, Daniels Family Funeral Services, Carlisle Chapel, 3113 Carlisle Boulevard NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110. Funeral Service: 10:00 AM Thursday, April 14, New Beginnings Church of God, 3601 Montgomery Boulevard NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109. Burial: Thursday, April 14, following Funeral Service, at the Santa Fe National Cemetery, 501 North Guadalupe Street, Santa Fe, NM 87501.

In lieu of flowers, please consider remembrances to: Marine Corps League, Jerry Murphy Detachment 381, PO Box 81552, Albuquerque, NM 87198-1552.