Durward Douglas Mccleary

Durward Douglas McCleary, Jr., 83 of Battle Creek, Michigan died peacefully at Bickford Cottage on Monday, July 20, 2020.

He was born May 1, 1937 in Battle Creek the son of Durward D. and Dorothy Irene (Miller) McCleary. He grew up in Battle Creek and was a graduate of Battle Creek Central High School. He honorably served his country with the U.S. Army in Korea. Durward was employed by Michigan Bell Telephone as a lineman and repairman for over 25 years.

Durward was formerly married to Nancy Sue Adams. He was preceded in death by his wife Sydelle (Ellis) Reesman McCleary. Surviving are his children, Mickele (Julia Turlington) of Tucker, GA, Martin (Laila) McCleary, Jon McCleary, and Christopher (Jennifer Brown) McCleary all of Battle Creek, Kristen (Robert) Heuer of Hamilton, MI, 14 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Durward was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Daisy Roebuck Ketchum.

Durward loved being outdoors. He hunted, fished, worked in his vegetable and flower gardens, went mushroom hunting and RV camping. He enjoyed talking about the weather, listening to WBCK and watching old Westerns. He loved his dog and proudly spoke of his family. Durward will be remembered as a devoted husband and father and for his witty sense of humor.

Friends will be received 5:00-7:00 p.m. Monday, July 27, 2020 at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. A graveside service to celebrate Durward's life will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 28, 2020. Military honors will be presented by the U.S. Army Honor Guard.

The service will be LiveStreamed and may be viewed by visiting https://vimeo.com/event/194217 or the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral home & Cremation Care Facebook Page.

Memorial contributions may be made to Humane Society of South Central Michigan, 2500 Watkins Rd., Battle Creek, MI 49015. Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.