Published on June 16, 2025 4:48 pm
Last Updated on June 17, 2025 3:15 pm
Douglas Cleveland “Cleve” Bradley, age 71, of Newton, Illinois, passed away at 9:37 PM- Sunday June 15, 2025, at Barnes Jewish Hospital in Saint Louis, Missouri.
A service celebrating Cleve’s life, will be held at 11:00 AM – Friday, June 20, 2025, at the First Baptist Church, 400 West Washington Street, Newton, Illinois, with Pastor Anthony Harris officiating. The burial will be in the Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Newton, Illinois. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 PM – Thursday, June 19, 2025, at the church and again on Friday from 10:00 to 11:00 AM, before the service. In loving memory of Cleve, memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church. Arrangements are under the care of the Meyer Funeral Home in Newton, Illinois. The obituary can be viewed and condolences left at www.meyerfh.com.
Douglas Cleveland, better known to his family and friends as “Cleve” was born on April 30, 1954, in Lebanon, Virginia, the son of Fred G. and Ruby Lee (Brooks) Bradley. He graduated from Ripley Union Lewis High School in 1972. He continued his education at Morehead State University in Morehead, Kentucky. Cleve married the love of life, Gloria J. Cox on October 7, 1972, in Georgetown, Kentucky, and she survives.
Cleve was an ironworker for several years and came to Newton, in 1978, to help build Newton Power Station. He was a self-employed carpenter for many years and retired as a rural mail carrier in 2023.
Cleve was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church in Newton. At the church he served on the board of trustees, was a worship leader and was always willing to help in any way, most recently helping with the remodel of the church.
Cleve was a member of the Jasper County Bass Club. He enjoyed fishing, playing golf, baseball, riding his motorcycle and for several years coached baseball and served on the board of the Jasper County Boys and Girls Park.
Cleve was a well-known guitar player and lead singer in several bands over the years including Restless, The Young Hicks, IVGiven, Midnight Special and most recently Quick and Bradley.
Cleve is survived by his loving family:
Wife of 52 years – Gloria Bradley of Newton, Illinois
Children – Jenny (Robert) Clark of Nolensville, Tennessee; Christopher (LeAnn) Bradley of Newton, Illinois; Jamie Clark of Newton, Illinois; and Kelly Bradley of Newton, Illinois
Grandchildren – Lane Bradley, Jaden Clark, Landen Clark, Kyson Bradley, Brady Clark, Mason Clark, Ashlen Baker, Cade Clark, Garrett Bradley, Logan Bradley, Kenzie Clark, and Keaton Reynolds
Brother – Fred (Linda) Bradley of Bullhead City, Arizona
Several nieces, nephews and special friends also survive.
Cleve was preceded in death by his parents, and sister JoAnn Flannery.