Paul Roger Cleeves

PAUL ROGER CLEEVES Paul Roger Cleeves of Comins, MI passed away on January 14, 2025, at Serene Gardens in Hartland, MI after a short fight against throat cancer. Paul's life began February 3, 1935, in Lansing, MI to William and Lydia Cleeves. He had 4 brothers and 1 sister. In 1953 he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps-and a Marine he is! He was assigned to security aboard the USS Boxer Aircraft Carrier and traveled to many different countries. He was discharged in 1956. Paul joined the Michigan State Police Department in 1957. He served at the Erie, Grand Haven, Flat Rock, and Bad Axe posts before being promoted to Detective Sargent in Narcotics in Detroit. He resided in Milford before he retired in 1983 and moved to Comins, Michigan. There, he opened and operated the Gilchrist Valley Lumber Company. After a second retirement, he founded the Kirtland Warbler Audubon Society in 1995, which is still very active today. Paul was an avid outdoor adventurer and loved nature of all kinds, especially birds. Paul is survived by his wife Diane, his son Brandon, and his daughter Tanis and her husband Chris Shelters. He is also survived by his grandchildren Joshua Shelters, and Amber Hawthorne, husband Erik, Jacob Shelters, and wife Karli. He has 8 Great-Grandchildren, Aubrielle, Jace, Bodie, Livingston, Stella, Calder, Everleigh, and Story, who truly adored him and loved visiting him frequently at Serene Gardens and coloring pictures for him to hang on his wall. A celebration of Life will take place this summer. Donations may be made in Paul's honor to the Kirtland Warbler Audubon Society.