Joe VanCleve

Joe Robert VanCleve, 90, of Caruthersville, Mo., died Wednesday, April 25, 2012, at the VA Hospital in Memphis, Tenn.

He was born March 23, 1922, in Caruthersville, to Frances Madison and Henry Carman VanCleve.

Joe is survived by two children, Joe Neil (Bobbie Phillips) VanCleve of Germantown, Tenn., Kim Gracelyn VanCleve (Richard) Swartz of Cape Girardeau; four grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Joe Robert was parts manager at Buchanan Chevrolet in Osceola, Ark., a majority of his life. He was a Mason. He retired to his childhood home of Caruthersville and became an active member of American Legion Post 88.

A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Army from 1940 to 1945. He served in the 604th Company as a technical sergeant. His service included Rhineland, Germany; Normandy and Northern France; and Central Europe. Joe Robert was a prisoner of war and was honorably discharged in 1945 and awarded the Purple Heart. He was also awarded the Good Conduct Medal; American Defense Service Ribbon; Europe, Africa, Middle East Service Ribbon; four Bronze Stars; and the Bronze Star Medal.

Memorial and committal service will be held at 3 p.m. today at Little Prairie Cemetery in Caruthersville.

John German Funeral Home in Hayti, Mo., was in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Legion Post 88, P.O. Box 196, Caruthersville, MO 63830.