Charles Rex Clevland

Charles Rex Cleveland, age 96, of Grand Island, Nebraska, passed away on October 6, 2026, in Grand Island, Nebraska. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 PM Sunday, October 11th at Apfel Funeral Home in Grand Island. A private family burial will take place in the Grand Island City Cemetery.

Charles was born on August 11, 1930, in Sioux City, Iowa, to Rex and Paulyne (Lundeen) Cleveland, arriving alongside his twin sister, Constance. He grew up in Sioux City and graduated from East High School.

On October 12, 1951, he married Lucille Kathleen Lewis in Des Moines, Iowa, beginning a devoted partnership that lasted until her passing in 2017.

In 1950, Charles enlisted in the Air National Guard, serving with the 132nd Fighter Bomber Wing. He completed two years of active duty in Louisiana and Maine and attained the rank of Staff Sergeant.

Charles began his career at the Morningside Post Office in Sioux City, Iowa, before joining Northwestern Bell Telephone Company in 1950. He first worked as a lineman and later as an engineer. He served in Sioux City until 1966, when he transferred to North Platte, Nebraska. In 1975, he transferred to Grand Island, and in 1982 moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, to work for Southwestern Bell until he retired in 1987.

Following retirement, Charles and Kathy moved to Drake, Colorado and built a log house on the top of the mountain, they eventually returned to Grand Island, Nebraska, where he spent the remainder of his life.

Charles was an avid hunter who enjoyed duck and goose hunting. He loved to play golf and continued playing into his 90s. He was also active in the churches of the communities where he lived.

After faithfully caring for his wife for ten years until her passing, Charles chose to continue serving others by becoming a hospice volunteer with Tabitha Health Care Services.

If you ever complimented him on his "God Is Good All the Time" hat, he would often present you with a brand-new one of your own. Over the years, he purchased more than 40 dozen hats and was recognized by the company as its most loyal customer. Sharing those hats became one of the many ways he spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

At the age of 95, Charles applied for his veteran benefits, having long been reluctant to accept government assistance. His family is deeply grateful for the exceptional care he received from the Department of Veterans Affairs, the skilled care staff, Dr. Donner, and the team at Nebraska Medicine.

Charles is survived by his children, Loren and Darla Cleveland of Grand Island, Nebraska, and Lea and Bill Fultz of Tulsa, Oklahoma.

He is also survived by his grandchildren: Jessica Biegert of Salina, Kansas; and Jennifer and Marcus Garcia of Wichita, Kansas.

Thomas and Casey Devlin of Tulsa, Oklahoma; Jonathan Devlin and Chelsea Wiatrek of Seguin, Texas. Susan and Colin Bause of Aurora, Ohio and Robert Fultz of Kyle, Texas

His great-grandchildren include Jaxson, Brexley, Olivia, Gianna, Ryleigh, Drake, Morgan, Mason, Beau, Connor and Cooper

He is further survived by his twin sister, Constance Ninneman of Loveland, Colorado and special friend Sandy Rodewald of Grand Island, Nebraska.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Rex and Paulyne Cleveland, and his beloved wife, Lucille Kathleen Lewis Cleveland.

Charles will be remembered for his dedication to family, his service to his country, his decades-long career in telecommunications, and the steadfast faith, generosity, and hardworking spirit that characterized his life across Iowa, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Colorado.

Memorials are suggested to the Grand Island Berean Bible Church or to Jews4Jesus.