Dennis Cleaver

Dennis Antonio Cleaver, 73 of Fort Sumner, NM passed away peacefully on Tuesday evening, February 12, 2019 at his home following a short illness. Dennis was born September 09, 1945 in Roswell, NM to the home of Ambers Eugene and Lazeeka Edamae (Mason) Cleaver. He grew up in Roswell, Artesia, and Alamogordo. Dennis graduated from Alamogordo High School, Class of 1963. Dennis married Alice Fleming on June 6, 1964 at the Alamogordo Church of Christ. Dennis worked as a cowboy for many years and for several ranches including Diamond A Ranch, T-4 Cattle Company, and the Lewis Cain Ranch. In 1979 Dennis and Alice made De Baca County their home where Dennis continued to cowboy at the Crenshaw Ranch, Ira Drum Ranch, and the Geiler Ranches. Dennis later worked for Fort Sumner Lumber Company for several years. Dennis also had a long history in law enforcement including as a deputy in Lincoln County, Lee County Sheriff Office, and as De Baca County Sheriff from 2008-2014. He also served a period as a NM Livestock Inspector. Dennis enjoyed restoring vehicles, his most current project was a 1997 Chevrolet pickup. Dennis is preceded in death by his parents, Amber and Laceka Cleaver, and his wife Alice Cleaver on February 21, 2012. Survivors include a son James Cleaver and his wife Meredith of Amarillo, TX, an adopted daughter Jenny Cleaver of Clovis, grandchildren Quannah Saiz and her husband Jason of Fort Sumner, Stephanie Segura of Lubbock, and Cooper Cleaver of Amarillo. Five great-grandchildren Tyler Saiz and Seth Saiz, Karlie Segura, Luke Segura, and Jaxon Segura. Also surviving is a brother Ronnie Cleaver and his wife Barbara of Orange County, CA and a sister LaRue Mize of Ruidoso along with many dear friends. Memorials may be made in memory of Dennis Cleaver to Fort Sumner Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 180, Fort Sumner, NM 88119. Dennis requested that no formal funeral services be held. Cremation will take place, his cremated remains will be taken to Pinon, New Mexico. Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 830 N. Fifth Street, Fort Sumner, NM. (575) 355-2311.