Irv Elwood Clever Jr.
October 16, 1942 — July 10, 2016
CORONADO’S CAMP: Irvin Elwood Clever, Jr., 73, passed away Sunday, July 10, 2016 at his home. His family surrounded him at the time of passing. A graveside service, with full military honors, will be held in the Buffalo Gap Cemetery on Wednesday, July 13, 2016 at 11:30am, directed by Fry-Smith Funeral Home, Tuscola. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 12, from 5 to 7pm at the funeral home.
Irv was born in Mansfield, Ohio to Irvin Elwood and Hazel (Yarman) Clever on October 16, 1942. While growing up he became an Eagle Scout and attended school at the Carson Long Military Institute in Pennsylvania, graduating in 1960. He spent the next few years at Indiana Wesleyan University studying theology.
He answered the call of duty and enlisted in the United State Air Force in 1962, He served twenty years retiring in 1982. It was in 1963, when stationed at Dyess, he met Carol Coley and they married on May 10, 1964. Irv specialized in pilot survival while serving in the Air Force; this included a two-year tour in the Bermuda working with the Apollo program, and a nine-month tour in Vietnam. Irv and Carol retired from the Air Force and came back to Abilene. He worked for the next fourteen years at Abilene Regional Hospital in the ICU wing, retiring to enjoy his family.
Irv enjoyed hunting, fishing, and most outdoor sports, but he especially enjoyed owning a pet cougar. He acquired his cougar while stationed in Minot North Dakota where he cared for the squadron's Canadian Lynx mascots. It was this hobby brought out his love for cats. Irv leaves behind his feline friends T.C. and Miss Daisy.
He was a member of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, where he served as an Elder and in other church leadership positions, which included positions in the Texaco Conference. He was active with the Boy Scouts, ECCA Volunteer Fire Department, and the Big Brothers Big Sisters. Irv cared deeply for all people.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Carol Clever of Coronado’s Camp; sons Irvin Clever, III, of Graford, Jared Clever and wife Kayanna of Abilene; daughter Lynn Price and husband Derick of Pecos; brother Phil Patterson of Van Buren, Ohio; grandchildren, Chase, Kiersten and Joshua Price; Ava and Koda Clever.
His parents preceded him in death.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Hospice of the Big Country, 4601 Hartford St.
Abilene, TX 79605.