ELKHART: It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John Carter Cleveland on Friday, July 5, 2024 at Elkhart General Hospital. He was 81 years old. A native of Elkhart, he was born on February 13, 1943 to the late Dr. Kenneth G. and Evelyn M. (Carter) Cleveland.

John married his best friend, life partner and true love, Dianne Walters on May 15, 1971 in Elkhart. Surviving is his wife of 53 years Dianne S. Cleveland; children, Kimberly (Scott) Kabrich of Wolcottville, Jeffrey (Sarah) Cleveland of Greenfield and Jennifer Cleveland (Ryan Binkley) of Fishers and John's daughters, Debra Fabri and Diana Gent; also surviving are six loving grandchildren, Meagan Kabrich, Olivia Cleveland, Anna Cleveland, Jackson Kabrich, Drew Moore, and Tommy Binkley; also a brother Herb (Ardie) Cleveland; also nieces and nephews Kenny Cleveland, Becky (Todd) Ellis, Todd (Cheryl) Miller, Troy (Kanesha) Miller, Greg Mann, Amy Mann and brother in laws John L. Miller and Gary Mann, both of Elkhart.

Preceding John in death are his sister Ann Mann; father and mother in law Robert J. Walters and Anna R. (Shaum) Walters; and sister in law Judith A. Miller.

After graduating high school in 1962, where he lettered 3 years in football, wrestling and track. John heard the call of duty and served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War from 1962 until his honorable discharge in 1966, with the rank of Airman 2nd Class. He was stationed at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho.

John's life revolved around his family and work. His sense of love and dedication was respected and admired by all. He started work at Continental Can Company, Shaum Electric Company, Bock Industries as a truck driver and worked his way up to foreman then buyer and purchasing agent, until its closure after 18 years of service. He was co-founder of Artisan Manufacturing, worked at Hyco Machine & Mold, Weber Manufacturing, Kauffman Laundry, and the Elkhart River Queen.

It was John and Dick Moore's dream to bring back the Elkhart River Queen to the citizens of Elkhart. This was made possible through their own means and family and friends sharing the same dream of bringing the Queen back. After Dick gave John the five years he promised, John and Dianne with many family and friends continued on the legacy for 15 years. John was "grateful always for the thousands that took the ride with him."

John had many interests and hobbies including fishing, boating, and skiing on the Upper St. Joe River in Elkhart and Birch Lake in Vandalia, MI. He was a member of the IARA Club, John Lucchese Group, Paul Thomas Thursday coffee group, 1962 Class Reunion Committee, was an Eagle Scout and served for many years with the Fourth of July (River) Flotilla Committee. John also enjoyed many activities with his cherished friends, like morning coffee, breakfast, dinners out, and card playing.

Family was everything to John, his strength, love and compassion for his children, grandchildren and friends was endless.

Please join his family as we celebrate the life of John C. Cleveland with an open time of sharing and fellowship on Saturday July 27, 2024 from Noon (12'o'clock) until 5:00 p.m. at the Cleveland residence.

Military Honors by the United States Air Force Honor Guard and EVHG (Elkhart Veterans Honor Guard) will be rendered at 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to: American Heart Assoc., P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284 or PAN Foundation, P.O. Box 716408, Philadelphia, PA 19171. Arrangements for John are under the care and direction of Billings Funeral Home, Elkhart, where condolences may be made to John's family at www.billingsfuneralhome.com. John's family would like to thank the Elkhart General Hospital Critical Care Unit's staff, Nurses, aides, and Doctors for the care, concern and kindness shown to John and his family during this time.

John would say to his family and friends: "Love you always and forever."

American Heart Association
PO Box 840692, Dallas TX 75284-0692
Tel: 1-800-242-8721
Web: https://www.heart.org/en/?form=FUNELYZXFBW

Patient Access Network (PAN) Foundation
PO Box 716408, Philadelphia PA 19171
Web: https://www.panfoundation.org/