Obituary
Juel Davis Clevenger died peacefully on August 26th at Village Care Center in Lees Summit, MO. He was born in Raytown, MO on January 30, 1933, to Jerry W. and Virginia M. (Davis) Clevenger
He was a Scout in Raytown’s Troop 145 earning the rank of Eagle. Following his graduation from Raytown High School he attended Central Missouri University where he became a member of Phi Sigma Epsilon, graduating in 1955 with a Bachelor of Science in Education with an emphasis in Industrial Arts.
Albert Tool & Gauge and Cook Chemical Company were Juel’s first employers before he became plant manager for Bakan Plastics in Lees Summit. In 1983 he followed his desire to become a small business owner and proudly opened Delta Lube & Diagnostic Center in Lees Summit which he operated until his retirement.
He was a gifted woodworker, building everything from small crosses to grandfather clocks. He was proud to be a Rotarian, seldom missing the weekly gathering.
Juel was a musician all of his life, playing his first “gig” with the RhythmAires for his high school’s Teen Town. He played in the outdoor band at Unity Village, the Overland Park Civic Band (50+years); the Raytown Community Band, the Independence Community Band and later the Raytown Symphonic Band. For many years he and fellow musicians enjoyed playing tunes from the 40s & 50s for local retirement centers.
Raytown continued to be the place where he and his high school sweetheart, Jackie (Flaherty) and their three sons made their home. Although he and Jackie later divorced, they remained friends, and eventually remarried. They were enjoying retirement living at John Knox Village when he became ill with (FTD) Frontotemporal Dementia.
During his stay at Village Care Center, he insisted on having the mouthpiece of his trombone close by so he could “keep up my lip”. He developed a passion for Bingo, treats at the Ice Cream Parlor, sitting in the sunshine on the patio and sharing his peanut M&Ms with visitors.
Juel was preceded in death by a son, Barry L Clevenger in 2018; and by his second wife, Nancy Firnhabber. In addition to his wife, Jackie, Juel leaves their sons, Stephen (Pattie) Clevenger and R. Clark Clevenger, siblings: Lee (Soon) Clevenger, Gene (Marilyn) Clevenger; Neal (Mitsue) Clevenger; Mark (Jenny) Clevenger, and sister, Cindy (Rick) Brittain. He also leaves former daughter-in-law Lori Clevenger, 4 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, and many friends, those who enjoyed playing music with him and those who enjoyed listening.
Visitation will be held at 10am Thursday, August 31st at the First Presbyterian Church, 1625 NW O’Brien Rd in Lees Summit, followed by a celebration of Juel’s life at 11am Thursday, August 31st at the same location. Burial in Floral Hills Memorial Gardens.
For those who would like to express their sympathy through charity donations, the family would suggest a donation to the charity of their choice or to the Raytown Arts Council or to Kansas City Hospice.
Arrangements by Langsford Funeral Home, 115 SW 3rd Street, Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
Condolences
Visitation
Lee's Summit, MO 64081
Services
Lee's Summit, MO 64081
Jackie,
So sorry to hear that Juel has passed. Renee can still see him waving to her from the
mailbox and I still miss riding with him to Gambor Center…..and being with you
guys at the neighborhood gatherings we used to have.
Juel was a dear sweet man, as are you a dear sweet woman. We very much miss
having you up the block from us and we extend our deepest sympathies and love
to you. Rene & Stan
Jackie,
Although I will not be able to attend, my thoughts will be with you as you say goodbye to Juel. Bless you for the care you choose to give.
Sincerely,
Lynda Owen Shillito
Dearest Jackie, so sorry for your loss . Carol really enjoyed Jules friendship and his love of life . He is now in the presence of his Lord and both are smiling lovingly at one another . May Gods love and grace be with you and your family in the days ahead . With deepest sympathy , Kathy Garska
I’m so sorry for the loss your entire family is experiencing. He was an incredible man
Prayers and Love
Jackie (Mom)… my heart breaks for all of you. He always treated me with love and respect. He was an amazing bonus dad. I’ll hold on to the wooden palm cross he made me as I think of him and of you. God is really gathering very special angels right now. Much love always it’s been an honor being part of your family. If there’s anything you need just call me. Love you!
Juel was always so kind to me. I remember taking my car in for service as a teenager and he always took good care of me and the car. Just a couple years ago, he made me one of his small crosses when I broke my leg. As a fellow rotarian, he always had a good story to tell at lunch and liked hearing other people’s stories as well.
During COVID when we weren’t meeting in person with Rotary, I called Juel as often as possible and we would chat about everything, or nothing, but his enthusiasm never changed. I never saw that man without a warm smile and a willingness to offer his heart and mind to whatever the topic was. Go in peace, dear friend.
Sweet Jackie, I’m so sorry for your loss. I have such wonderful memories of gatherings at your house. You & Juel made me feel such a part of your family. Sending you prayers & a tight hug. Love you, Kay❤️🙏🏻
What a wonderful life..
Thanks Juel for your friendship. Always appreciated your smile and warm greetings. To Jackie and your family, I pray peace and grace along with love to surround and comfort them.