Lewis Wilbur “Lou” McCleary
November 9, 1955 - July 5, 2020
Lewis Wilbur “Lou” McCleary, age 64, of Newark, DE, entered eternal rest on Sunday, July 5, 2020.
Born in Wilmington, DE on November 9, 1955, he was a son of Pauline Mabel Barney Shepherd, the late Lewis Andrew McCleary, and his legal mother, Louise McCleary Burke. He was a graduate of Colonial Richardson High School of Federalsburg, Maryland and a Proud First-Class Boiler Technician of the United States Navy.
Lewis was loved by so many and touched many lives with his big heart. He smiled bright when sharing life stories. Lewis loved being surrounded by friends and family. He was an avid fan of NASCAR racing and a 28-year vet of the Stoney Roberts Demolition Derby, working on many cars in his spare time. Lewis also loved Bluegrass music, his blue jean overalls, annual fishing trips, camping with his motor home and genuinely making people smile. He was a big kid, playful and supportive of lots of fun at gatherings. From water balloons to making jokes for everyone to enjoy. He will be very dearly missed.
In addition to his father, Lewis was preceded in death by his son, John Lewis McCleary; and siblings, Norman Shepherd and Donald Shepherd. Lou is survived by his wife, Sheryl Sutton McCleary; former wife, Rebeca McMullen; daughter, Jessica Marie Till (Michael); step children, Jaclyn Manzie, Lee Manzie (Kasey) and Chase Atallian; grandchildren, John Lewis Charles, Adelynne Grace and Garrett Lewis O’brian Till; step grandchildren, Daniel Snowberger, Stephen and Angel McAteer and Travis Manzie; very loving siblings, Jaqueline Smith (Dwight), Louise Craig (Joe), Frances Smith (Leonard), Raymond Shepherd (Betty), Mary Clark (Robert Sr), Richard Shepherd (Sharon), Evelyn Mitola (Joe), Bonnie Adkins (Keith Sr), Michael McCleary and William Meeks Shepherd (Jimmie); and sisters-in-law, Linda Shepherd and Linda Shepherd.
A public memorial service will be held from 3 pm until 8 pm on Saturday, July 18, 2020, at The Diamond State Post #2863 VFW, 8 South Dupont Road, Wilmington, DE 19804. Please arrive by 3 pm, an in-house service will be from 4 pm until 5 pm with a celebration to follow.
In lieu of flowers, please bring the great memories to share to help celebrate the life of Lou.
Laurie Schnepf
Michael McCleary – I am deeply sorry for the loss of your brother Lou. My heart aches for you and all your family. I am praying for you and your family. May God Bless and Comfort you all.
Laurie
Mary Gunning
I’m so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.
Candice Bates
I am deeply saddened and sorry for the loss of Lou. My families heart aches for you and all your family. We are praying for you and your family throughout this difficult time. God Bless and Comfort you all with warm hugs and blessings.
BettyCarrasquillo
Always in our hearts
Tami Camp
Sherry, we are so sorry for your loss. We love you dearly and are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love, Aunt Tink and Tam
Marquita Jojnson
Mr. Lou was always such a nice, funny, and kind man. So sad. Jessica, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Sending hugs, live, and prayers to you.
Marquita Johnson
Mr. Lou was always a sweet, kind, and funny man. So sad. Jessica, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Sending you all hugs, love, and prayers of comfort during this time.
Bonnie and Keith Adkins
Brother – You will be deeply missed but forever loved within our hearts and minds. Looking forward to the time we will meet you at the gates of Heaven when our Maker calls us home from our blessed journey here on earth. We will be reunited again.
“From the poem THE DASH.
I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend. He referred to the dates on the tombstone from the beginning… to the end. He noted that first came the date of birth and spoke of the following date with tears, but he said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years.
LOVE YOU – “123”
Louis Lockard
I am so sorry for your loss. My family is praying for you and your family. We love you guys. He will be truly missed by all of us but never forgotten.
Jacqueline Smith
Rest high on that mountain Lew. From your legally adopted mother Louise McCleary Burke and sister Jackie
Julie Blakeley
Truly Awesome Man, always kept us laughing. The world is a sadder place with out him in it. He is much loved and missed greatly.
Kade
Sheryl, Aunt Becky, Jess, Mike, Addie, Garrett and kids… my heart aches for your loss. I can only pray a little piece of uncle Lou’s big heart shines in you forever. What an awesome birthday gift for John to be able to spend forever with his daddy praising Jesus. I find comfort in knowing that they are together again and we will meet up with them when our time comes. I love you all ❤️
Darren Mullins
I love you Lou great person great friend always did things the right way. always willing to help out anybody and everybody. I thought it was funny how I told you about slice on the avenue. Every day after you ate that crab cake pizza you came to work and said slice on the avenue brother. Love you always you will never be forgotten
Jeff Bruce
God Bless You my friend!!!RIP Brother
Shareese W
It was a pleasure working with you Lou! Thanks for the fond memories and laughs. Take your rest now. Shalom.
Linda johnson McCullough
Haven’t seen you in a while. But will never forget your smile,big heart,and your kindness toward everyone. May you be in peace with your son.
Lewis c wood
Im so sorry for your loss. I worked with Lew at IKEA for many years. He kept me laughing. RIP BIG GUY. IT WAS A PLEASURE KNOWING YOU.
Terri Shade
Rip Uncle Lou, we love you.
Lynne Ellis
I’ve known Lou since i was 5 years old he was family he made me laugh he was one of a kind there are so many stories icould tell you about him he was a special person and will be missed so much love you Louie
Lucinda
Sorry for your loss.He will surely be missed..alot of great memories especially at 4 th of july parties when i been down from pa…
Tom Hilderbrand
Lou always had a story to tell. He would always say “Hey Tommy”
when he saw me at work. Thanks for the many laughs Lou. RIP my friend.
Sheree Wolfer
Lewis you will be missed.
Lisa Hutchison
So sorry for your loss Cheryl. I’ll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Michael McCleary
Mere words cannot express
The loss of my brother
His joy and smiling face
Will be with me forever ❤ 💕 💖 💙
Paul and Beck Marino
Sincere condolences to the family. Thoughts and prayers
Regards
Paul / Beck Marino
Claudette
Sheryl, I am really sorry to hear about Uncle Lew. I did not know. I saw my friend Gold card today n he said by the way I’m spose to pass on a msg to u that Lew died. No easy breaks in life, huh? I will always remember all his n ur visits, some with a purpose n some not. If u need anything or just wanna talk, my number is 302 413 0326. Ur both in my heart n prayers. Love, Wytche
Stan Newell
I’m sorry I just discovered Lewis passed – I met Lou at Colonel Richardson High School and we immediately became best friends – Lewis had the best heart and I’m so sorry I didn’t connect with him sooner – may you rest and he’ll be missed – when you look down – Remember all the fun we had in the 70’s !! Miss you !!
Richard Woods
Served in the Navy with Lou on the USS Pensacola LSD38. Loved him like a brother. Miss you Lou
William M Stratton
How Time does pass, Quick and Swiftly as there’s no Rest between Breathing and Waking hours, I was going through all the Obituaries for our Family in just the last few years we’ve lost some Heavy Hitters, besides you there is Mike he wasn’t long after you, Raymond, Mother and Mary Elizabeth all went within Mere Days between them and their Services, it was like taking Bullets, I don’t think the Fog will ever lift, your Truly and Undoubtedly Missed, i Think of you Often, with Many Smiles and Much Laughter, Always your “Other” Brother fro