Obituary: Kevin McCleary, 53, of Walkerville.

July 14, 2022

Kevin McCleary

Obituary: Kevin McCleary, 53, of Walkerville.

Sgt. 1st Class, U.S. Army (retired) Kevin Shawn McCleary, 53, of Walkerville, passed away Thursday, July 7, 2022. He was born April 22, 1969, the son of William McCleary and Gloria (Hite) Gould.

Kevin dedicated his life to his beloved country. He achieved the rank of sergeant first class in the U.S. Army. The Army recognized Kevin’s dedication, courage, and honorable service with the following awards: Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with one silver and one bronze oak leaf cluster, Army Achievement Medal with one silver and one bronze oak leaf cluster, Good Conduct Medal, Valorous Unit Award, National Defense Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Driver and Mechanic Badge with Driver “W” Bar, Combat Action Badge, Global War on Terror Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, and Iraq Campaign Medal with one bronze service star. During his tenure with the U.S. Army, Kevin served in Iraq, Kuwait, Korea, Germany, and the United States. Kevin saw action in the middle east, including Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Desert Thunder, and had many interesting stories to share from his time there.

Kevin was a loving and supportive husband, father, and grandfather. Kevin made friends wherever he went and under any circumstances, picking up cherished friends throughout his life and all over the world. Kevin was an avid volunteer and improved his community in countless ways. Kevin’s outlook on life was perpetually positive, even during his vigorous battle against cancer. Kevin was taken from the world too soon, but his impact is everlasting among his family, friends, and community.

Kevin is survived by his wife Susan; parents Gloria (Hite) Gould and William (Linda) McCleary; children, Samantha Cole and David Walker; grandchildren, Jacob Walker, Holly Walker, Nolan Cole, Freya Cole, Evelyn Cole, and Aurora Cole; siblings, Kate (Rod) Koehler, Bill (Heidi) McCleary, and Larry (Stacey) McCleary; and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Kevin was preceded in death by: his stepfather, Richard Gould; and sister, Christine McCleary.

A Celebration of Life will take place from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, August 20, 2022, at the Holton American Legion Post 397, 9150 Holton Road, Holton.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the War Frog Foundation in Kevin’s memory, www.warfrogfoundation.org.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.