Ronald Sherman Clevenger

To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord (2 Cor. 5:6-8). Ron Clevenger, my beloved husband of 38 years, entered into the presence of our Lord in the early morning hours of Saturday, February 8 after battling cancer. Ron was a 1960 graduate of Mt. Whitney High School and after a short time at COS, enlisted in the Marines where he was trained in weaponry and the tank division. Following his honorable discharge, Ron was employed by Southern California Edison with a goal to go into communication and sales. It took him 30 years to achieve his goal but he never lost sight of it. Following his retirement, Ron became actively involved in our joint venture, Creekside Gifts, building rustic bird houses and other garden accessories. Ron served Jesus on many short-term mission trips from Alaska to Fiji, Mexico, and various countries of Central America using his numerous abilities doing whatever was needed. He also served with Samaritans Purse following Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. Ron faithfully followed and served Jesus since his conversion at the age of 47. He especially loved teaching the little children in our church as a Sunday School teacher and Awana leader for over 30 years. Ron's biggest regret was that he did not become a Christ-follower earlier because he knew he could have accomplished so much more for his Savior. Ron was a quiet, unassuming, and gentle man. Many people were surprised to learn about his passion for drag racing - not as a spectator, but a participant, which he enjoyed with his son Curtis, and later, his grandchildren Makinna and Josh. Ron built his first dune buggy in the 70's and quickly progressed to a sand dragster. In the mid-80's they switched over to asphalt quarter-mile racing. His last endeavor with Curtis involved racing with West Coast Outlaws in a Pro-charged 63' Corvette. Unfortunately, that dream ended abruptly with the advancement of Ron's cancer. Curtis will fulfill his dad's dream when the new season begins this year. Ron is survived by me, his wife Suzanne, sons Curtis (Melanie), and Kevin (Cherri) Clevenger from a previous marriage; my children Mike (Diana) Moore, and daughter Stacey (Ron) Marshall his Sisters Shirley Johnson and Carol Baker; 8 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren. A celebration of Ron's life will be held at Grace Community Church located at 2525 S. Lovers Lane in Visalia, on Saturday, March 1 at 11:00 a.m. If you would like to do something to commemorate Ron's memory, please consider a donation to Grace Community Children's Ministry. We want to thank our church family for all of the support and care they have provided, American Hospice, and Salser and Dillard Funeral Chapel. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Ronald Sherman Clevenger

March 22, 1942 - February 8, 2025