Cleo C York

Cleo York was born in Harrisburg, Arkansas on April 19, 1931 and passed away on June 1, 2024 in Tulare with his family by his side. Cleo came to Pixley, CA in 1939 with his parents plus 7 siblings. They were later joined by 2 more siblings. Cleo started work as a young boy helping his dad farm. Later he and his brother Moppy established York Brothers Custom Harvesting. In 1948 he enlisted in the US Air Force and was stationed at White Sands New Mexico. When he was discharged, he moved back to Pixley, CA where he met the love of his life Mary Jane Chitwood at the Lemon drive where she worked. They were married after only 2 months and remained married for 70 years until her death in 2020. Cleo was a hard worker and Janie a homemaker who always had a hot meal waiting for Cleo. He loved her biscuits and gravy every morning before he went to work and always looked forward to her homemade fried chicken. Together they made a wonderful life for their 5 children; Rudy, Debbie, Omie, Cleona and Tobe. Cleo loved his family and his animals. He was happiest when he was outside working. He loved mowing the lawn and watering the flowers. You would see him daily on the riding lawn mower at his daughter Cleona's house. He also had a close relationship with his only surviving brother William "Moppy" York. Cleo was preceded in death by his wife Janie, son Rudy, and grandson Nick, plus 7 sisters and 1 brother. He is survived by his daughter Debbie Clampet (Scott) of Coeur de Alene Idaho, Oma Tilley (Rod) of Grover Beach, CA, Cleona Tilley (Greg) of Tulare, CA and Eric Tobe York (Kerrie) of Tulare, CA, 8 grandchildren; Clint Curti, Aaron Curti, Maggie Harrington, Brian Tilley, Natalie Tilley, Eric York, Brittanie Wilson and Alec York, plus 14 great grandchildren, 1 brother and lots of nieces and nephews. Shortly before his passing, Cleo accepted the Lord into his heart and was at peace. Graveside services will be held 10:00 AM Friday, June 28th, 2024 at North Tulare Public Cemetery, 4572 North J. St., Tulare. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Cleo C York

April 19, 1931 - June 1, 2024