Obituary of Richard Warren Cleveland

Richard (Dick) Cleveland, 99, of State College, died on April 4, 2024. Dick was born in Santa Ana, California to Irving and Grace (Warner) Cleveland. He was the oldest of three siblings, Jack, Joyce, and Sharon. He married Shirley Lea Fees on June 21, 1952.

Dick served in the Army Air Force in WW2 in the South Pacific. He earned a PhD at UC California Davis and joined the faculty at Penn State University in the Agronomy Dept, specializing in plant breeding. He retired from Penn State as Emeritus Professor.

Dick enjoyed nature photography, camping, reading, and woodworking. He also enjoyed jazz music and held a large collection of jazz and classical records. Dick and Shirley built a home in what was then the rural area of Park Forest where they raised their children Andrea and Eric (deceased.)

Dick is survived by his wife Shirley, daughter Andrea (Walt Mills), granddaughters Marian Mills (Aaron Myers) and Susanna Mills, and great grandson Ellis Myers.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Nature Conservancy.

Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.