Orvall Greeley McCleary's Obituary
Orvall G. McCleary 90, of Fort Myers, passed away on Tuesday, November 11, 2014 at The Lodge at Cypress Cove. Orvall was born on July 22, 1924 in Rensselear, Indiana to Mary Margaret Grace and Evertt E. Greeley McCleary. He always referred to himself as “just an old Indiana farm boy.” His father died when Orvall was only 11 years old, leaving him to run the family farm. Orvall attended Indianapolis University in 1946 and later became a sales executive for Lilly Industries Coating. He and his late wife, Dorothy, moved to Fort Myers in 1981. He was an avid golfer and resident member of Fiddlesticks Country Club until he moved to Cypress Cove Health Park in 2004. Orvall was a member of the Pilgrim’s Church.Orvall had a strong belief in the importance of education and providing opportunities for young people. He donated generously, but quietly, to scholarship programs, the YMCA, and the Salvation Army. Remembering his alma mater, Orvall founded the McCleary Chapel at the University of Indianapolis. In collaboration with local sculptor D.J. Wilkins he donated a mascot greyhound statue to the U of I and a panther mascot sculpture to St. Joseph College in his hometown of Rensselear, ind. Locally, Orvall is responsible for two statues of Thomas A. Edison which grace both the Lee and Collier campuses of SouthWestern State College (formerly Edison State College). When you see the statues of Mina Edison and Henry Ford at the Edison-Ford Winter Estates, remember Orvall, the benefactor, and his friend, Don the Sculptor.Known for his integrity and generosity, Orvall will be missed by a multitude of friends. He was predeceased by his parents and wife, Dorothy. A Memorial Service in celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, November 15th at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel at Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, 1589 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, Florida 33907, (239) 936-0555. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Memory Care Residence at Cypress Cove, 10200 Cypress Cove Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33908 or to the University of Indianapolis Advancement Office, 1400 East Hanna Avenue, Indianapolis, Indiana 46227.Tributes and condolences for Orvall can be left by signing the guestbook on his memorial webpage at www.fortmyersmemorial.com
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