Philip J. Cleaves Sr.

DEXTER - Philip J. Cleaves Sr., 81, passed away Dec. 18, 2013, at a Bangor hospital. He was born in Dexter, April 4, 1932, the son of Lewis and Valeda (Provost) Cleaves.

Phil attended Dexter schools, and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He ran the movie projector in the old Park Theater in Dexter. He worked at Amos Abbott Woolen Mill for a short time and later worked for Dexter Shoe Company for 42 years, retiring as supervisor in 1994.

In his younger days he enjoyed playing poker and shooting pool with his friends. He and his family enjoyed camping with Albert and Murlene Kimball. In later years he enjoyed putting puzzles together, and loved his Red Sox, and the N.E. Patriots.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Phyllis (Tarr) Cleaves of Dexter; two sons, Philip Cleaves Jr. of Dexter, and David Cleaves and his wife, Wendy, of Westbrook; a daughter, Debra Cunningham and her husband, Stephen, of East Sangerville; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; a sister, Lillian Demarais of San Antonio; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by sisters, Anita Clukey and Lucinne Ducette; and brothers, Omar, Paul, Gerald, Henry, Gabriel, and Roland.

Graveside services will be held in the spring at the Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Dexter. Arrangements by Crosby & Neal, Dexter. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the National Kidney Foundation, 470 Forest Ave., Suite 302, Portland, ME 04101. For an online guest register, go to www.CrosbyNeal.com.