Joseph W. Cleesen Jr.

Joseph William Joe Cleesen, Jr., 66, of Paris, died at 11 a.m., Aug. 31, 2008, at his home.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday at 2 p.m. at Pickering Funeral Home. Visitation will be Thursday from 1 p.m. until service time at the funeral home. Burial will be in East Lawn Memorial Park.

Mr. Cleesen was born on May 22, 1942, in Mexico, a son of Joseph William and Geraldine Alberta (Stewart) Cleesen. He was a graduate of Community R-6 High School, and was a member of the NRA. He was a self-employed farmer on the family farm and also worked in construction, as a carpenter and had worked as a civilian for the Air National Guard. He enjoyed animals, flowers, trees and the outdoors in general. He was a member of Maple Grove Methodist Church.

He is survived by his mother, Geraldine Cleesen, Paris, and two brothers, Christopher Cleesen and wife Janet, Gilmer, Texas, and Stephen Cleesen and wife Delores, Lubbock, Texas.

Memorials may be given to the Paralyzed Veterans of America, in care of Pickering Funeral Home, 403 N. Western, Mexico, MO 65265.