John “Red” Cleveland

John “Red” Cleveland of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas died May 16, 2016 at the age of 92.  Red was born on July 26, 1923 in Tivoli, Texas, to Alvin and Ruby Cleveland.  He attended Hardin-Simmons University where he played football and was the student body president.  During WWII, Red joined the Air Force Reserve where he served as a flight instructor.  In 1944, he married his childhood sweetheart, Margaret Baker, and, in 1945, had their only child, Marilyn.  After the war, Red returned to Hardin-Simmons University to complete degrees in Math and Physical Education.  Upon graduation, Red began a successful career as an automobile dealer, first, with Horace Holly Motors in Abilene, Texas and then purchasing his own dealership in San Angelo, Texas in 1962 which he ran until he retired in 1982.  Red and Margaret then moved to Horseshoe Bay, TX where they enjoyed golf, bridge, friends and fellowship until Margaret died in 2010.  Upon her death, Red moved to Hot Springs Village, AR under the care of his loving son-in-law, Bill Long, and wife, Nancy.

Red is survived by his granddaughter, Tammy Gafka, and husband, George Gafka, son-in-law and wife, great grandchildren Scott, Marcus, Sadie and Celia and step granddaughter LouAnn.  Red was preceded in death by his wife, parents, siblings, daughter and grandson.

A graveside service will be held at 2pm on Sunday, May 22, 2016 at Lakeland Hills Memorial Park in Burnet, TX.  Donations may be made to the Good Samaritan Society of Hot Springs Village, AR.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to CedarVale Funeral Home.