Ronald Cleaver

Ronald Lee Cleaver, 87, of Olathe, passed away peacefully at his home on Sept. 25, 2025, at 12:40 a.m., surrounded by loved ones.

Born in 1937 on the family farm near Iola, Ron was the son of Harold Clayton Cleaver and Shirley Opal Cross Cleaver. His rural upbringing in Allen County shaped his strong work ethic and deep family values, which defined his life.

Ronald enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1954, serving two years in the Philippines before returning to the United States in 1957. He then continued his service as an air traffic controller at a Navy base on the East Coast, often traveling back to Wichita, Kansas. During this period, he met his beloved Dolly June Page, and on January 3, 1959, they were married in Wichita. Soon after their wedding, Ron and June relocated to Corpus Christi, Texas, where Ron worked in the control tower at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi. After a few years, they moved to Kansas City, where Ron served as an air traffic controller at Kansas City Tower, with occasional assignments in Hutchinson and a brief relocation to Madison, Wisconsin.

Ron spent much of his career during this time period as an Air Traffic Controller as well as farming over thousand acres and working in real estate in Johnson County, where he played a pivotal role in the region’s growth during the 1960s and beyond. Partnering with his younger brother, William Albert “Will” Cleaver, Ron built a successful career in residential sales, helping countless families find homes in the expanding suburbs of Olathe and surrounding areas. His dedication to his profession was matched only by his commitment to family, always prioritizing those closest to him.

During this time, they welcomed two daughters, Shawn Deanne Cleaver (1964) and Sutton Lyn Cleaver (1967). The family lived on a farm outside Rantoul for five years, where their son, Heath Woods Cleaver, was born in 1973. Ron retired from air traffic control in 1978 and pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas. After seven years, the family moved frequently before settling in Pearland, Texas, in 1988, where Ron became Comptroller for Falcon Crest Aviation, a business he helped his friend Roy Berkenmeier build from the ground up. In 1993, he co-founded a building business with his son-in-law Randall Pitcock and ex-son-in-law Michael Croix; both are thriving companies today. Ron and June fully retired in 2017, settling in Montgomery, Texas, north of Houston, where they lived until Ron’s passing on Sept. 25, 2025. He is survived by his wife, Dolly June, their three children—Shawn, Sutton, and Heath — seven grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren all residing in Texas, leaving a legacy of dedication, family, and resilience.

Ron’s quiet strength, rooted in his Kansas farm heritage, and his entrepreneurial spirit in real estate, farming and construction reflected a life of purpose and connection. He leaves behind a legacy of integrity, family devotion, and contributions to his community’s growth.

A private memorial service will be held for family and close friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Operation Finally Home, to honor Ron’s patriotism and service.

Ronald Lee Cleaver is survived by his wife, June Cleaver; his children, Shawn Croix, Sutton (Randall) Pitcock, Heath (Zuly) Cleaver; his grandchildren, Stephanie (Mark) Weber, Raegen (Kris) Kubacak, Randi (Braden) Shaffer, Allison Croix, Courtney (Jared) McHazlett, Taylor Croix, Wesley Cleaver; his great grandchildren, William Weber, Kaleb Kubacak, Matthew Weber, Katherine Kubacak, Hannah Kubacak, Taylor Kubacak, Elizabeth Weber, Nathan Shaffer, Hunter Kubacak, Luke Shaffer, Shiloh Bench, Nora Shaffer and Audrey McHazlett.