Robert "Bob" McCleary

Robert Thomas “Bob” McCleary, 80, of Mendon, passed away peacefully at 10:50 AM, Sunday, November 14, 2021, at his home.

He was born on March 4, 1941, in Quincy, the son of Harry and Colleta (Wiewel) McCleary.  Bob went to a one room school house, then went to Liberty Elementary.  He graduated from Liberty High School in 1959 and went to work at Motorola in the shipping department right out of high school. One of his first purchases after starting his job was a big black Harley Davidson motorcycle. He truly enjoyed the time he spent riding.

Bob married Judith “Judy” Morris on September 7, 1963, in Liberty, Illinois.  As the saying goes “Farming is in my Blood” describes Bob. He loved the farm and started farming in the early 1960’s.  Bob loved both farm and domestic animals.  He loved his candy and always had a stash of candy in his pockets. He was also an accomplished carpenter and welder.  Bob bowled for many years.  A great joy in Bob’s life was the time he spent on the Adams County Fair Board.  In the 21 years, he was on the Fair Board, they made many improvements to the buildings, grounds, horse arena and were able to have some of the top Country Western Stars come to perform. Bob wanted to have a nice fair for everyone to enjoy. He also was a member of the Mendon Lions Club, and the Quarter Back Club at Unity High School.  He enjoyed watching high school football, basketball and volleyball.  Bob enjoyed spending time with family and friends to play cards, dominoes, and reminisce about the good ole days.  He loved Country and Western music and was able to go to many concerts to see some of his favorite stars.  Bob was a member of St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church in Mendon.

Surviving are his wife Judy, son Troy (Kelly) McCleary of Mendon, daughter Tonya McCleary of Hannibal, Missouri, five grandchildren Kayla (Justin) Mitchell of Augusta, Kara (Frank) Holtschlag of Liberty, Kody (friend Erica Cramm) McCleary of Mendon, Emilea Klauser of Quincy and Devin Klauser of Liberty, two great grandsons Cutter and Tate Mitchell, brother Don (Diana) McCleary of Liberty, two sisters-in-law Connie Morris of Jacksonville and Janet Trone of Rushville, and several nieces and nephews.  Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws and a niece Page Carlen.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM, Thursday, November 18, 2021, St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church in Mendon with Monsignor Michael Kuse officiating.  Interment will follow in the Mendon Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Wednesday, November 17, 2021, at the Hunter Funeral Home in Mendon with a prayer service at 3:45 PM.  Memorials are suggested to Blessing Foundation for Hospice or the Parkinson Foundation.