Robert Carl Cleveland, 84, of Hallettsville, went to his final resting place on Nov. 24, 2011. He was born on Feb. 24, 1927 to Andrew Paul & Ida Lou (Bilderback) Cleveland in Kingsville, Texas. He was a resident of Hallettsville Rehab and Nursing Center since 2007 with various physical and mental problems, and managed to touch all the staff's heart with his humor and love for music and dance. He joined St. Peter Lutheran Church in Hallettsville on Aug. 16, 2009, where he enjoyed their services at the nursing home, and made a contribution to their new fellowship hall. He was also a member of the V.F.W., American Legion, and Disabled Veterans.

Robert received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Navy, and received a Purple Heart with PTSD after his ship was hit by a Japanese suicide planes. At one point in his life, he preached in the Nazarene Church in Matagorda, TX, along with other jobs from oil field to mowing grass for living. He also owned a restaurant, but his heart was too big, and gave away more than he took in.

Robert married Dorcus Gertrude Rollins on Dec. 18, 1948 in Brownsville, TX. They had 3 children; Ruth Minks, Dorcus Sue (Hall) Kleinhans, and James Paul Cleveland; 3 stepchildren, Frank, Victor and Carol Rollins; 6 grandchildren, John, Patrick, Tommy and Cheryl Minks, Stewart and Mark Hall; 2 great grandchildren, Brittany Minks and Romeo Jones. Robert is also survived by his sister Mary Ellen Fertsch & husband Elroy of Hallettsville, and nieces & nephews.

Robert was preceded in death by: his parents; brother James Paul Cleveland, daughter Ruth Minks, first wife Dorcus and second wife Mary.

Funeral Service: 1 pm, Saturday, Nov. 26, 2011 at St. Peter Lutheran Church of Hallettsville. Visitation: 5 pm, Friday, at Kubena Funeral Home. Prayer Service: 7 pm, Friday, at Kubena Funeral Home. Pallbearers: George Bayliss, Brian Bayliss, Brent Bayliss, J.R. Barroso, Cris Barroso, and Kyle Barroso. Officiate: Rev. Dr. Alan Williams. Memorials (in lieu of flowers): Hospice of South Texas or St. Peter Lutheran Church. Burial: Old Kinkler Cemetery.

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