John W. Cleveland

John W. Cleveland of Carmel, Indiana went to his eternal home on January 29, 2025. John was born in New Castle, Indiana to John P and Janet L Cleveland on August 24, 1940. John was a loving, dedicated husband, father, and Papa and is survived by his wife of 52 years Joan E (Hostetter) Cleveland, his daughter Jennifer L Cleveland Cassidy (Chris), his son Jason P Cleveland (Jill), and his grandchildren Sophie and Jack Cassidy and Piper, Willow, and Cassius Cleveland. His surviving extended family includes his brother J Edward Cleveland, sisters-in-law, Carol Cleveland, Carolyn Franke Hess (Paul), and Judi Hostetter and brothers-in-law Gene Hostetter (Susan) and Michael Hostetter (Barbara), and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws Ed and Nerine Hostetter, his brother James (Jim) Cleveland, and his brothers-in-law Robert (Bob) Franke and Jim Hostetter. 

John graduated from New Castle Chrysler High School in 1958. During high school John was a member of the football team, speech and debate club, and an avid bird watcher. John formed many relationships growing up in New Castle that lasted throughout his lifetime, and we are appreciative of the following people who we also consider family: Joe and Greta Grider, Doug and Peggy Walls, Stu and Lana Worl, Libby Edwards, and Jack Anderson. John went on to achieve a BS in finance from Wittenberg in 1962 and an MBA in marketing from IU in 1964. John served in the Army Reserve in the Chemical Warfare division from 1965-1971, including a six month stay at Ft. Ord in California where he was a Chaplain’s Assistant. John worked for Western Products during college and then took a sales role as a Manufacturer’s Representative at his father’s company, John P Cleveland and Associates upon graduation. In 1971, John purchased an ownership stake in this company, and it was renamed CMH and Associates. John listed among his proudest accomplishments taking this company from four employees to twenty-one while representing some of the leading hardware companies in the Midwest. 

John met his wife Joan in 1968 at Here Apartments in Indianapolis. They were married on November 18th, 1972, in Carmel, Indiana and went on to build a life in New Castle with their two children. John inherited a love of travel from his parents and over his lifetime he and Joan traveled to the Caribbean, Europe, Hong Kong, and Costa Rica. Joan and John also took their children on many trips throughout the United States, passing on the love of travel. Florida played an important role in their vacation destinations as they spent many family spring breaks in Ft. Myers Beach and then many years as snowbirds in Manasota Key. However, John’s most treasured vacation spot was Lake Wawasee in Indiana. When he was in his 20s, he helped his parents build their house on the lake and, in 1981, he purchased a home on that same street for his family. John was an avid sailor, owning four sail boats across his lifetime and relished in sharing his love of the water with family, friends, and neighbors. 

John was an active member of the First Christian Church in New Castle, serving as a deacon, stewardship chairman, and a trustee. He was a member of the school board in New Castle for twelve years serving as President and participated in hiring a new superintendent during his time on the board. He was also a member of the Elks and started two social dining groups among his friends: Gourmet and The Monday Night Group (aka In Search of an Identity). 

John faced a series of challenging health issues beginning in 2016. He never gave up and always worked hard to try to improve his health and maintain his mobility and strength. In addition to his immediate family: Joan, Jennifer, Jason, Chris, and Jill, John was supported in this endeavor by a long term, dedicated care giver Bernie Stewart and occupational therapist TJ Hendrix. Over the course of his health journey many family members and friends stepped up to provide additional support to John and Joan and we want to especially recognize J Cleveland, Carol Cleveland, Gene and Susan Hostetter, Mike and Barbara Hostetter, Peggy Walls, and Jack Anderson for their time and dedication. At the end of his life, John and his family received support from Paradigm Health, Kindness Care Solutions, and Christina McCann with Encompass Senior Navigation.

Per his request, John will be cremated, and a Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday April 27th at The Ritz Charles Ballroom in Carmel, Indiana from 1-5pm. Tributes to John will begin at 2pm with reception time before and after. Memorial contributions can be made to First Christian Church in New Castle or The Henry County Community Foundation (Choose Henry Flex Fund).