John William "Jack" Cleary, 89, of Rantoul, formerly of Paxton passed away Sunday, October 8, 2023 at North Campus Rehab and Nursing Center, Leesburg, Florida.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m., Monday, October 16, 2023 at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church, 100 S Church St., Thomasboro with Father Joel Phelps officiating. Burial will follow in Beckman Cemetery, Rantoul with military honors by the Rantoul VFW Gung Ho Post 6750.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Monday at the church.  Baier Family Funeral Services, Paxton is handling arrangements.

Jack was born August 18, 1934 in Paxton the son of Donald Paul and Nora Agnes McNamara Cleary. He married Joan Helen Fruhling. She survives.

Along with his wife Joan of 66 ½ years, he is survived by a son, Monte (Dawn) Cleary of Sandoval, Illinois; daughter, Dewanna Mooneyham of Danville, Indiana; four grandchildren, Vanya, Shawna, Jerica, Jake; three great grandchildren, Jamison, Jemma and Vincent; and many loving nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Patricia Robertson; brother, Paul Cleary and son-in-law Clint Mooneyham.

Jack graduated from Paxton High School in 1952. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War and spent 11 months and four days in the DMZ.

Jack moved to Rantoul in 1962 where he was a member of St. Malachy Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. He was a State Farm Insurance Agent in Rantoul for 34 years. Jack was a former member of the Rantoul Moose Lodge and Rantoul Chamber of Commerce. He was also a former member and past president of the Paxton Jaycees.

Jack and his wife vacationed in Panama City Beach, Florida for 10 years and have spent the past 20 winters in their home near Leesburg, Florida. He enjoyed hunting and camping and especially fishing in Canada.

Memorials may be made to St. Malachy School. Memories and condolences can be shared with the family at www.baierfuneralservices.com.