Paul Melvin Cleary

Paul Melvin Cleary, age 92, of O’Fallon, Ill., passed away on April 13, 2026. Paul was born in East St. Louis, Ill., December 6, 1933. He was a graduate of Central Catholic High School in East St. Louis. After high school he enlisted in the US Air Force and served his country for 33 years. He retired as Chief Master Sergeant at Scott Air Force Base. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, one of the most respected U.S. military decorations — the nation’s fourth‑highest combat award — given for heroic or meritorious achievement or service in a combat zone, for his service in the Vietnam War. He was very proud to go to Washington, D.C. as part of the Honor Flight. Paul worked for the Chrysler Corporation as a motivational speaker and trainer for many years following his military career. Paul also volunteered with the USO, Hospice, and helped local veterans to obtain veteran benefits. He was an active member of St. Nicholas Catholic Parish and a member of its “Yesterday’s Kids” and the men’s group. Paul was also a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Cleary and Pauline Britt; his sisters Mary Collins, Corinne Normansell, Loretta Breese, and brother Curtis Britt.

Paul is survived by his wife of 69 years, Maria Shirley (nee Fleming) Cleary; his daughter Maria (Matt) Wagner; grandson Paul (Laura) Cleary; granddaughter Kayla (Adam) Melanson, great-grandchildren Shaylyn, Emery, and Lennon Cleary; sisters-in-law Ruth Ann Britt, Sandra Coombs, and brother-in-law John Breese, and many nieces and nephews, and many great and great-great nieces and nephews, and cousins, and lifelong friends, including the Wednesday morning breakfast group.

His family would like to thank Ardent Hospice and Palliative Care for their compassionate care, especially Jeanette, Kelly, and Hattie. Special thanks to his nieces Ellen Normansell and Jane Sabo for their daily care of Paul during these last two years. The family would also like to thank the caregivers at Addington Place Memory Care. Finally, thank you to the girls at Wood Bakery who had his daily chocolate donut ready for him when he arrived each morning.

Memorials may be made in his name to Ardent Hospice of O’Fallon and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Visitation will begin at 9 am, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 am at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, 625 St. Nicholas Dr., O’Fallon with Rev. Nick Junker presiding. Yesterday's Kids will conduct a walk-through at 10 am at the church.

Luncheon will immediately follow in the Fellowship Hall. Following the luncheon, a funeral procession will proceed to Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery for a graveside committal service with military honors. Wolfersberger Funeral home, O’Fallon, Ill., is serving the Cleary family.