DEXTER- Philip J. Cleaves, Sr., 81, passed away December 18, 2013, at Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor. He was born in Dexter, April 4, 1932, the son of Lewis and Valeda (Provost) Cleaves.

Phil attended Dexter schools, and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He ran the movie projector in the old Park Theater in Dexter. He worked at Amos Abbott Woolen Mill for a short time and later worked for Dexter Shoe Company for 42 years, retiring as supervisor in 1994.

In his younger days he enjoyed playing poker and shooting pool with his friends. He and his family enjoyed camping with Albert and Murlene Kimball. In later years he enjoyed putting puzzles together, and loved his Red Sox, and the N.E. Patriots.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Phyllis (Tarr) Cleaves of Dexter; 2 sons Philip Cleaves Jr. of Dexter, and David Cleaves and his wife, Wendy of Westbrook; a daughter, Debra Cunningham and her husband, Stephen of E. Sangerville; 7 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; a sister, Lillian Demarais of San Antonio, TX; many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by sisters, Anita Clukey and Lucinne Ducette; brothers, Omar, Paul, Gerald, Henry, Gabriel, and Roland.

Graveside services will be held in the spring at the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Dexter.

In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to the National Kidney Foundation, Inc., 30 East 33rd Street, New York, NY 10016.

Arrangements by Crosby & Neal, Dexter.