SUNRISE February 26, 1957
SUNSET September 9, 2021
Cletus was born on February 26, 1957, in Joliet, IL to Mildred Gildon. He was a resident of Joliet, Illinois and graduated from Joliet East High School. Shortly thereafter, he joined the military (US Army) in September of 1975 and completed his tour of duty with honors in September of 1978. He was stationed at Fort Ord in California and served as a gunner in the artillery unit.
Cletus and Darcy started a successful book business in Seattle and eventually moved to Alabama to expand and consolidate their business. They remained faithful to God and joined Harvest International Ministry under the leadership of Bishop Reinaldo Whyte. Cletus continued teaching bible class and preaching.
During his early days in Seattle, Cletus was employed at Boeing as a machinist from March of 86 to January of 97.
Cletus was offered a job as a machinist by General Dynamics Ordnance Tactical Systems in Anniston, AL in November 2012. This eventually allowed the family to take a leap of faith as he transferred to Garland, Texas and purchased a brand-new home in Fate. Cletus was promoted to Senior Operator at General Dynamics Ordnance Tactical Systems until he retired on February 26, 2019.
Cletus remarried in August of 2001 to Darcy (Drake) Gildon, and from that union, two children were born, Elisha and Micayla Gildon. Cletus kept his priorities in order as a devout family man who loved God first, who lived a life dedicated and committed to family, and was successful in providing for his family.
Cletus loved to travel, taking the kids to their different activities, cooking dinner, researching different topics, and watching NFL football. Cletus loved to laugh as he was quick-witted and spontaneous with others. He loved studying the bible and his favorite scripture was Revelation chapter 1 verse 3.
While in Seattle, Cletus and Darcy joined Real Life International Ministry under the leadership of Pastor Elvin Gladney. Cletus was very active in the church and his responsibilities included teaching bible study and preaching.
Cletus is preceded in death by his mother Mildred Gildon, his brother John Wayne Gildon, and Grandmother Ida B. Seabron.
After his military service, Cletus moved to Seattle Washington where he met his first wife Willie (Hickman) Gildon. From this union were born two sons, Omari and Marcel Gerik Gildon.
Cletus also attended various colleges from 2001 until 2016. He received a certificate for computer networking from North Seattle Community College. He also received an A.S.S. degree in machine tool technology from Gadsden State College in Anniston Alabama. He received additional training and education at Richland Community College for Advanced CNC machining and computer aided manufacturing.
Cletus leaves to cherish his beloved memories to: his loving wife Darcy, his sons Omari (Natallie), Marcel Gerik, Elisha, and his daughter Micayla, two grandchildren Samyia and Omari Jr, 9 siblings Sandra Anderson, Darnell (Twanna) Gildon, Carol Boyd, Charles (Mittchelena) Meade, James (Thelma) Gildon, Rayshell (Larry) Spinks, Kenneth Gildon, Samuel (Valerie) Gildon, Maurice (Cheryl) Gildon, special aunts Charlotte Ferguson and Ritha Seabron, along with a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and family.
Wednesday, September 29, 2021 Visitation - 9:00am | Service - 10:00am Charles W. Smith & Sons 2343 Lake Road Lavon, TX 75166
INTRODUCTION AND WORDS OF WELCOME Larry Spinks PRAYER Pastor Rex Walker MUSICAL SELECTION ”He Knows My Name”, Tasha Cobbs SCRIPTURE, OLD TESTAMENT Charles Meade SCRIPTURE, NEW TESTAMENT Rayshell Spinks MUSICAL SELECTION “Good Good Father” by Anthem Lights LIFE REFLECTIONS Keva Gildon REFLECTIONS Family & Friends (3 minutes) MUSIC SELECTION “I Can Only Imagine” by MercyMe Words of Comfort Larry Spinks
Tributes
Cletus, The brother that’s number 7th in our family line. Cletus was the one in our family who was Diverse (a person who has a wide range of opinions) Cletus was a man of Principles, what he believed he stood by it. Cletus was a Godly man he loved God and studied the word. He was a researcher he research everything if you told him something he’s going to research it. Cletus we call you courageous you kept the faith that you would get better, and kept texting the family until the end. Cletus was a family man he loved his family, he would call and check up on you, and if there was a need he was always willing to contribute to that need. As your sisters OH how we will miss you, the link that connected us as a family has been broken, your number is absent. There will always be a void in our heart without you, but one thing we are assure of we will see you again. We Love you Cletus FOREVER. - Your Sisters, Sandra, Carol, Rayshell Cletus, Those we love don’t go away they walk beside us everyday. Unseen, unheard, but always near still loved, still missed and very dear. Love you my brother. Rest in paradise. - James and Thelma Cletus, I am blessed to have had you as a little brother. Your actions were always kind. You had a generous hand and an active mind, anxious to please and not to offend. You were a loving brother and a faithful friend. We’ll all miss you very much. - Chuckie & Teenie
Cletus,
To my loving big brother Cletus, you have always been my protector and my first hero. I’ve always looked up to you. I will forever love you. - Big brother Kenneth Dad, I am the first born of the four children my dad Cletus had. I will always remember all the good times and the wonderful memories of him as a child, to a teen, and to an adult. He was a very Godly man and a wonderful father. I will truly miss him. I love you pops and miss you dearly! - Rest in Peace-Omari “In My Mind” By Jenn Farrell Somewhere in my dreams tonight I’ll see you standing there You look at me with a smile “Life isn’t always fair” You say you were chosen for his garden His preciously hand picked bouquet “God really needed me, That’s why I couldn’t stay” It’s said to be that angels Are sent from above I’ve always had my angel My brother – whose heart was filled with love Wherever the ocean meets the sky There will be memories of you and I When I look up at the sky so blue All I see are visions of you “While there’s a heart in me, you’ll be a part of me.”
“Miss Me But Let Me Go” When I come to the end of the road And the sun has set for me I want no rites in a gloom-filled room Why cry for a soul set free? Miss me a little-but not too long And not with your head bowed low Remember the love that we once shared Miss me-but let me go For this is a journey that we all must take And each must go alone. It’s all part of the Master’s plan A step on the road to home When you are lonely and sick of heart Go to the friends we know And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds Miss me but let me go.
PALLBEARERS Darnell Gildon James Gildon Kenneth Gildon Charles Meade Tim Drake Brian Richardson
INTERMENT Fort Worth National Cemetery 2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy Dallas, TX 75211