William Fred VanCleave

William "Bill" Van Cleave, 85, died Saturday, March 15, 2008 in Abilene. The visitation will be Monday, March 17, 2008, 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Hamil Family Funeral Home Chapel, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. Services will be Tuesday, March 18 at 2:00 pm at the Westgate Church of Christ, 402 South Pioneer. Bill was born September 8, 1922 in View, Texas to William Fred Van Cleave, Sr. and Ocie "Graham" Van Cleave. He graduated from Wylie High School and attended Tarleton State University. Bill served in 3rd Division during WWII in Europe and received two Purple Hearts and other metals. He was the owner of the Van Cleave Optical for 55 years. Bill served as an elder of Westgate Church of Christ for 32 years. As a member of the Rotary Club, he served in many capacities. Bill served as past President of both the Contact Lens Society and Certified Opticians Association of Texas. He was humbled and grateful for the recognition of his peers in Abilene. Namely the Torch Award for the Better Business Bureau and the Small Business Salute given by the Chamber of Commerce. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Beth Marie Clark and all his siblings. Bill is survived by his wife, Deloris "Mankin" Van Cleave; two sons, Kenneth and his wife, Sharla and Robert and his wife, Carie. His grandchildren, Vince Van Cleave, Laci & Fletcher Hall, Amanda Batchelder, Annie, Audrie, Abigayle, Austin, and Anson; two great-grandsons, Hunter and Hayden Batchelder; one step-daughter, Alice and her husband, Scott LaMascus of Edmond, OK; two step-sons, Jeff Mankin of Nashville, TN and Ben and his wife, Amanda Mankin of Spring Hill, TN; and step-grandchildren Parker and Hadley LaMascus and Mallory Mankin; also numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Memorials may be made to the Abigayle Van Cleave Benefit Account, First Financial Bank, 400 Pine Street, Abilene, TX 79601; Westgate Church of Christ, 402 South Pioneer, Abilene, TX 79605 or the Christian Service Center, 901 Mesquite, Abilene, TX 79601, or the donor's favorite charity.