John D. Cleavenger Jr.

John D. Cleavenger Jr. (January 11, 1945- April 6, 2024)
On April 6th, 2024, at 743sm, John took his last breath here on earth and his first breath in Heaven to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. John is rejoicing with his mother, father, and sister Carrie Lee (Cleavenger) Thompson in Heaven that went before him. He was a beloved husband, father, uncle, grandfather, cousin, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure to know him.
He was born January 11, 1945, in Barbour County at his home to Lorea (Phillips) Cleavenger and John D. Cleavenger Sr. He graduated Phillipi High School Class of 1962 and attended WVU for 1 ½ years. John worked 38 years with Mon Power & Alleghany Energy, retiring at Harrison Power Plant as a mechanic and certified welder. Throughout his career, he was known as a skilled welder and dedicated to his meticulous attention to detail.
But more than anything, John was a devoted husband, father, and friend. He loved spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. John was a firm believer in Christ and attended First Baptist Church of Shinnston, Lumberport Baptist, Faith Builders, Horizons, and most recently became a member of Coon’s Run Baptist Church. Thank you, Sonny Palmer, for your calls, hospital visits, prayers and anointings.
John retired at the age of 59 to enjoy his favorite hobby, golf, and was eager to share his knowledge and enthusiasm for the sport with others. John had many cherished friendships at Sunny Croft Country Club. Many thanks to all that made him feel like family. He played in numerous tournaments with good friends Jim Courtney, Aaron Helmick and Zeke Lawrence. He achieved the goal of winning the WV Gold Division Senior Amateur in 2017 and was featured in the WV Golf Association magazine.
John is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Judy (Green) Cleavenger. His three children, John William Cleavenger Sr., Jeffrey Cleavenger (Tammy), and daughter Heather (Cleavenger) Weaver (Derek). He is also survived by his sister Mrs. Jean (Blair) Curkendall of Parkersburg WV.
John had six grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren. Grandchildren include Ashley, Billie (Tony) Harris, and John William Cleavenger Jr. Bryce, Haden, and Reese Weaver. Great Grandchildren (Ashley) Haleigh, Jennah, Jaxson, Judith, Charlee, Connor, and Olivia: (Billie) Abigail, Amelia, Abraham, and Alice: (John Wm) Khalem, Denzil, and Adalyn. Many nieces and nephews: Gerald Thompson of Parkersburg, Mike (Tracy) Thompson of Wyoming, Amy (Rob) Deso of Virginia, Lisa (Sam) Weaver of Parkersburg, Bridget (Cominsky) Wilson of Newport NC, and Michael Flanagan of Raleigh NC.
It was John’s wishes not to have a viewing and direct burial to be provided by Wright’s Funeral Home, Philippi, WV. A graveside service will take place at Mount Vernon Cemetery where he will be laid to rest near his beloved sister, Carrie. Service will be led by Pastor Sonny Palmer of Coon’s Run Baptist Church. A celebration of life memorial service will take place on April 13th, 2024, at 3pm. A short sermon, cherished words, and music will start the celebration and a dinner will be served in honor of John to conclude. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Coon’s Run Baptist Church or WV Hospice Care in memory of John. https://www.hospicecarewv.org/make-a-donation/. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.wrightfuneralhomeservices.com.