Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

Kenneth William Cleaver born September 18, 1951, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2025 at his home in Davidsonville, MD, surrounded by family and friends. Diagnosed with Parkinsons Disease over twelve years ago, he finally succumbed after a courageous battle over the last two years. He is survived by his devoted wife of 42 years, Haila Culp Cleaver; his two brothers, Ronald (Maryanne) and Stewart Cleaver; his sisters-in-law, Andrea Culp Lilly (Don), Melody Culp Turner (Tom) and Teena Culp Haddox; his father & mother-in-law, Roland & Lorraine Culp; his cherished nieces and nephews, Jeffrey Scher (Susan), Lindsay Bangle (Paul), Amanda Krantz (Dale), Gregory Lilly (Kim), Kyle Ritchey, Caroline Ritchey and Trevor Haddox, great nieces Evie Krantz, Adeline & Charlotte Lilly; his great nephew, Hugh Krantz and his close friends, Carlos & Christina Uria "The Darlings", Rich Harrington, Sue Stevens and Pam and Chuck Buseck. Ken attended the University of Maryland, College Park where he excelled in business. Ken worked in new home sales for various home builders, and though he acquired his realtor’s license, he always felt new construction was where he belonged. Later in life he started his own new homes business Cleaver Corporation followed by Davidsonville Homes Corporation in Texas, working with friend David Herzog. He also enjoyed flipping houses and had a great mind for business. Ken enjoyed spending time with family and friends, as evidenced by his extensive travels, especially on cruise ships. If you wanted to find him on the ship all you had to do was look in the casino. Going to the Outer Banks and his time spent on the Eastern Shore with his wife’s family was a great part of his life along with fishing and playing poker with his buddies. Ken was an avid Redskins and Nationals fan and loved watching Maryland Basketball. Ken loved cooking for others and was the considered the master of the grill by all who had the privilege of attending a cookout; and his spaghetti and quesadillas were possibly some of the best around. 

Ken was predeceased by his parents, Clarence and Anne Cleaver; his sister, Mary Cleaver; his sister-in-law, Jean Cleaver and his brother-in-law, Stan Haddox. He will be missed by all especially his cat, Abby.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to Hospice and his nurse, Maria, for the care, concern and supplies during his final days. A special heartfelt thank you to his caregiver, Marie, for her dedicated help and comforting care for the past four months.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Kenneth’s life on Monday, July 28 from 6 to 8 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD where his memorial service will be held on the following day, Tuesday, July 29 at 11 am. Celebration of Life Reception to follow service. Cremated remains will be buried at a later date.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Parkinsons Foundation, Michael J. Fox Foundation or the EMF -Empower Motivation Fitness (Rock Steady Boxing) 2024 West Street, Ste 101, Annapolis, Maryland 21401-3552 c/o David Fletcher, <a href="https://emfmaryland.org/donate/">https://emfmaryland.org/donate/</a>

Condolences may be made by using the Memories tab on this page.

Kenneth William Cleaver

Kenneth William Cleaver

Kenneth Cleaver Services

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Memorial Service