George R. Cleaver, 87 of Walton, passed away Sunday evening, May 10, 2009 in Bassett Healthcare, Cooperstown following a long illness.

George was born in Hamden on April 19, 1922 the son of the late Robert P. and Josephine (Scoville) Cleaver. On November 13, 1948 he married the former Clara Guarino. She died on November 8, 2008. George proudly served his country in the US Army during WW II in the 1st Infantry Division (The Big Red One) as a machine gunner in North Africa and in Sicily receiving the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. Following discharge from the Army, George became a reservist in the US Air Force. He was employed for 39 years at NYSEG as a field tester. He also owned and operated the West St. Antique Store.

George was a member of the Walton Fire Dept., Morrow Hose Co. # 1, a charter member of Walton EMS, life member of the Walton American Legion, VFW and the DAV. He was also on the executive board of the Otschodela Chapter of the Boy Scouts of America, 58 years as Superintendant of Admissions of the Delaware County Fair and a loyal member of "The Chain Gang", Walton Football Booster Club.

George was known as soft spoken and friendly man who would welcome new people in the community and show them around.

George is survived by one daughter, Beth Ann (Steve) Covell of Kernersville, North Carolina; one son, David (Margaret) Cleaver of Walton, a brother, Frank Cleaver, two sisters, Glenna Sawdy, Rotha Scherer, grandsons , Kevin & Andy; Sister In Law, Elizabeth Fanning, several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by brothers, Oscar, Robert M., and Don Cleaver; sisters, Lee McKnight, Mary Wescott, Adelaide Kulze, Betty Howe, Margaret Cleaver, and Mildred Bergman.

Friends and relatives are invited to call on Wednesday, May 13, 2009 from 2 to 4 & 6 to 8 PM at the Courtney Funeral Home, 25 Townsend St., Walton, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday morning at 10 AM with the Rev. Matthew H. Frisoni, officiating. Interment will follow in Walton Cemetery, with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial donations be sent to Boy Scouts of America

Otschodela Chapter, PO Box 1356, Oneonta, NY 13820, or Walton Football, Walton Central School Athletic Dept.

Stockton Ave., Walton, NY 13856.