Cletus Lee Gildon

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.

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.

During his early days in Seattle, Cletus was employed at Boeing as a machinist from March of 86 to January of 97.

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.

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 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 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. 

Cletus was offered a job as a machinist by General Dynamics Ordnance Tactical Systems 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 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.

Cletus is preceded in death by his mother Mildred Gildon, his brother John Wayne Gildon, and Grandmother Ida B. Seabron.

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 aunt Charlotte Ferguson, Ritha Seabron and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and family.