Rondell Lane VanCleve, age 85, of John Stuart Drive in Mt. Sterling, passed away Tuesday, March 15, 2022, at the St. Claire Regional Medical Center following a long illness. He was born August 18, 1936 in Wolfe County and was the son of the late Jesse Raymond and Lena Lane Taulbee VanCleve. He was a member of the 1956 National Championship Basketball Team at Kilgore College in Texas. He retired from the US Corps of Engineers and was a former merchant seaman. He was a United States Army veteran and a United States Marine veteran where he served in Platoon 232 in San Diego. He was formerly a resident of Estill County and Palatka, Florida. He is survived by: His daughter: Michelle (Scott) Purvis of Clark Co, brother: William “Pig” (Anna Ruth) VanCleve of Estill Co, grandson: Travis (Shelby) Purvis, great grandchild: Juett Purvis, Several nieces and nephews, Special friend: Marie Juett. He was preceded in death by his sister, Ruth Ann Kerns and his brother, Jesse Raymond VanCleve, Jr.
Memorial services will be held at a later date. The Warren F. Toler Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the Wounded Warrior Project or Tunnel to Towers Foundation.