Thomas Lee Cleveland

Obituary For Thomas Lee Cleveland

Thomas Lee Cleveland, 87, passed away peacefully at his home in Elephant Butte, New Mexico, on January 29, 2025. Tom was born in Tiffin, Ohio. After graduating from Columbian High School, Tom joined the United States Air Force and was stationed at Manzano Air Force base in Albuquerque. Tom met and married his first wife, Diane Taylor, and together they had two sons - Todd and Scott. After leaving the Air Force, Tom became a machinist, working at Sandia National laboratories in Albuquerque eventually retiring as a division supervisor in 1994. Tom and his wife Carolyn retired to Elephant Butte, where they enjoyed many years together at the lake with their friends and at the American Legion Post - 44 where Tom served as the “Commander”. Tom enjoyed auto racing, RVing and his pet dog, Lily. Tom had the “gift of gab” and was a stranger to no one. This trait was clearly passed on to his heirs! Tom is survived by his first wife Diane Reiff of Cedar Crest, NM., his sons Todd Cleveland and wife Dottie of Albuquerque, his son Scott Cleveland and wife Kathy of Garden City, Idaho. Survivors also include grandsons Jeff Cleveland and Logan Keslar of Houston, Texas - grandson Joel Cleveland and wife “Fran” Francis of Albuquerque. A celebration of life is scheduled for Friday February 7, 2025, at 12:00 noon at the American Legion Post 44 in Elephant Butte. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Legion Post 44 in Elephant Butte or a charity of your choice – Rest is Peace - Father, Patriot, and Friend to all.