Alvis Cleo King

Oakwood - Alvis Cleo King, 81, of Oakwood, went home to be with Jesus on July 30, 2020. Cleo wrote and performed songs about his love for Jesus throughout the years. His main goal in life was to serve God and every aspect of his life reflected it. In the church, he taught Sunday School classes, was a worship leader, aided in construction of the newest building of Cedar Grove Church of the Nazarene, and volunteered in every way possible.

Cleo was born in Earle, Arkansas to Phineas and Flora (Albright) King on December 16, 1938, the twin of Almos Leo King, who preceded him in death in October 2018. He also had three sisters, Helen, Edith, and Lena May, all deceased, and five other brothers, Earl, Robert, J. P., and Carl who are all deceased, and Marvin who is living. Cleo spent his early years in Arkansas attending schools in Earle, Parkin, and Lepanto. Somehow, thanks to his brothers, he always managed to have had a black eye in all of his elementary school pictures. Cleo worked alongside Leo picking cotton in the fields of Arkansas for as many years as he could remember. Eventually, he and his brother left school to work in the fields full time to help support their parents and siblings.

In 1957, Cleo made the decision to come to Illinois on a bus to live with his Aunt Alfred London. He had hoped to build a better life here than what the cotton fields of Arkansas could provide. He always said this was one of the best decisions he had ever made. Once in Illinois, he remained a hard worker finding employment working in numerous bakeries including Stevens Bakery, Starns Bakery, Eisener Bakery, and Paxton Bakery. While working at the bakery, he also held a second job working as a roofer for Shutes Roofing and Pearsons Roofing Co. During this time, he helped construct the Fithian Grain Elevator. In September 1966, he started his employment at Central Foundry where he worked in the finishing department on intake manifolds in the East and North core rooms. After 26 years of service, he retired in July 1992. He didnt like not working as much as he thought he would, so he went back into baking, working at County Market for several years. While working at Central Foundry, he worked part time as a custodian for Oakwood School District. Later, he worked full time as a custodian at Oakwood Grade School. He retired from the school district after working there for 24 years.

Cleo married Shirley Ann Calvert on October 7, 1961. They celebrated 59 years of marriage this year. They were blessed with two children, Troy (Gretchen) King of West Lebanon, IN and Julie (Duane) Webb of Oakwood. Grandchildren include Katie (A. J.) Webb, Ethan (Emilee) Searcy, Zack (Ashley) Searcy, Bethany (Cole) Webb, Emmons King, and Ashley-Joy (Justin) Webb. Great-grandchildren include Aurora, Norah, and Marlo Arnold and Emmersyn and Weston Searcy. Family was important to Cleo. He was always quick to help anyone in need and provided a simple solution to any problem. He cared for his in-laws when they were sick. He invested a lot of time with his children and grandchildren.

An always gentle and kind spirit, Cleo made friends wherever he went. His best friend was Bart Makemson who he spent many hours with working on cars or houses. Bob and Pat Wright were extra-special to Cleo as they were like family to him, sharing Southern roots and hospitality. They consistently offered their love and support in every season. He had a special bond with Mack Calvert, his brother-in-law, who played gospel music with him at numerous nursing homes throughout the area as part of the Sonshine Singers. Cleo had fond memories with his other brother-in-laws Gene and Paul Calvert. In the early 1960s he traveled to California with Gene where he bought his big black cowboy hat. Cleo once owned a rental home across the street from Paul. He and Paul bailed hay together and shared a lot of laughter.

Cleo found time for hobbies of singing and playing his guitar. He wrote numerous worship songs with themes of gratitude, heaven, and the love of Jesus. His favorite song that he wrote was about how he became one of Jesus miracles when he gave his life to Christ. Besides playing music, he also enjoyed showing his 65 Mustang and 68 Buick LeSabre at car shows with the Illiana Car Club. He enjoyed fishing at Kickapoo State Park and Kennekuk County Park where he would stay until he caught his daily limit for trout. He enjoyed hunting for rabbits and deer with Troy.

The family would like to thank Dr. Sodhi, Corey, and the team from OSFs home health and hospice for providing excellent care to Cleo. They would also like to thank Pastor Leonard Bud and others who prayed for Cleo.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, August 6, 2020 at 10:00 AM at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Danville, Illinois, 3940 N Vermilion St. Danville, Illinois 61834. Pastor Leonard Bud will officiate. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 5, 2020 from 5:00 7:00 PM at the funeral home in Danville. Burial will be in Newtown Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Cedar Grove Church of the Nazarene.

Please join Alvis family in sharing memories, photos, and videos on his Tribute Wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com .