Though he has departed this life, Arthur’s legacy of courage, service, and love will continue through the generations of family, friends, and firefighters whose lives he enriched. He will be forever remembered and deeply missed.

Arthur Frederick Cleaver, 83, of Lakeland, Florida, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home on the morning of June 6, 2026.

A proud U.S. Army veteran, Arthur served from 1961 to 1965 in Germany before returning home to dedicate his life to serving others. His commitment to community continued as a firefighter with the Lakeland Fire Department, all while working for Suburban Propane.

Known for his strong work ethic, steady presence, and unwavering dependability, Art was a devoted family man who cherished his roles as father, grandfather, and great‑grandfather.

He is survived by his loving wife, Carol Cleaver; his children Andrew Cleaver (Ruth), Tammy Olney (Richard), Samantha Reese (David), Tracy Rito (David), Lisa Cantler (Daryl), and Matthew Watson (Suzanne); grandchildren Allexis Bemman (Ra), Kailey Reese (Courtney), Erin Cleaver, Aiden Cleaver, Kale Cleaver, Aimee Jarvis (Jason), David Dobbs, Amanda Marshall, Candyce Coker (Mike), Amber Haberl (Peter), Trevor Watson (Allison), Keelan Jenkins (Tammy); and great‑grandchildren Alexis Kerr, Elijah Kerr, Ella Jarvis, Cameron Kintor, Callie Coker, Wiley Haberl, Silas Haberl, Bella Bemman, Emmy Watson, Brooks Watson, Zoe Jenkins, Cameron Jenkins, Delana Chester-Jenkins, Ben Chester-Jenkins and Mallory Gilmartin.

He was preceded in death by his son Steven Cleaver and grandson Joshua Gilmartin.

Arthur found great joy in his hobbies, especially his passion for golf and his loyal support of the Lakeland Dreadnaughts football team. He also loved attending Lakeland Tigers baseball games.

A viewing will be held at Gentry Morrison South on Thursday, June 11, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A funeral Mass will follow at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church on Friday, June 12, at 10:00 a.m. Feel free to send flowers or in lieu of, donations may be made to Lakelandfirefightersbenevolentassociation.com/donations.

His courage, generosity, love, and that unforgettable shit‑eating grin will be remembered by all who knew him.

“A veteran is someone who, at one point in their life, wrote a blank check made payable to the United States of America for an amount up to and including their life.” — Unknown

Arthur lived that commitment—not only in uniform, but every day as a firefighter and family man who protected and provided for those around him.

Please share a favorite memory in the online guest book, or bring a handwritten note to the visitation or funeral service. These messages will be given to Mrs. Cleaver to read in the days ahead.