Charles Clayton Cleveland, 82, of Fairview died at home on November 22, 2021, after an extensive battle with cancer. He was born in Detroit, Michigan on June 20, 1939, to Marvin and June (Ranney) Cleveland.
Chuck grew up in Rose City, Michigan, and lived in Detroit, Reed City, Lansing, Big Rapids, Lupton, and Fairview. He liked to spend winters in the tropics, including Cozumel, Jamaica, and the Virgin Islands. He loved to travel and was quite adventurous.
He once went to Paris for six weeks, without speaking a word of French, and without a reservation. He found a cheap apartment in the Algerian district and found a shady character that would exchange his $100 bills at a better rate than the banks.
He was an avid reader and would memorize passages in his favorite books, reciting them to all who would listen. He had an extensive music collection and passed his love of music to us.
As kids, when we would say we wanted something, he would sing the Rolling Stones “You can’t always get what you want.” After a while, he would just say, “Reminds me of an old Stones tune.”
He loved to fish, especially on Devoe Lake in the Rifle River area. He had a recumbent bicycle, which he rode many miles. He spent many of his working years long-haul trucking. Chuck was a true existentialist, and stubbornly lived life on his own terms. His hands never touched a bowling ball.
He is survived by his children Todd (Tracy) Senyko, of Warren, Christine (Nick) Matthews, of Mio, and Curtis (Denise) Cleveland of Pittsburgh, PA; grandsons: Jakob Senyko, Zachary Senyko, Gunnar Matthews, Mason Cleveland, and Gustav Matthews; his former wives and mothers of his children: Janet (Ed) Senyko and Bonnie Pylman; sisters: Sharon Alderton and Marva Hartman; sister-in-law: Darlene (Paul) Savela; brother-in-law: Bruce Boughner; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Marv and June Cleveland, brother-in-law Don Alderton, and sister-in-law Karin Boughner.
Chuck has been cremated and the family will hold a celebration of life this summer.
Arrangements by Lashley Funeral Home, Mio.
