Howard Cleous

Howard G. Cleous, 88, formerly of Garden Plain, Kansas, passed away June 18, 2026 in Yuma, Arizona. He was born in Argonia, Kansas to Otis and Hazel (Mercer) Cleous. Upon graduation from Argonia High School, Howard enlisted in the Army and while stationed in Missouri, met and fell in love with his roommate’s sister, Wilma (Calvin) Cleous. When on leave, the two Army boys and their pretty girlfriends would often be seen speeding around Springfield in a two-seater convertible—all four of them.

After his military tour, Howard and Wilma moved to Wichita where he worked for Braniff Airlines. He noticed that packages were often unloaded from the airplanes, but there didn’t seem to be a system in place for their delivery from the airport. With several box trucks and rented warehouse space, mere feet from the runways, Howard started a package delivery company serving most of Kansas long before FedEx was even thought of. Howard would later pivot to delivering farm equipment throughout the country. While doing so, he thought of another business venture. He started an insurance auction company for cars and trucks and provided a hauling service for the vehicles to and from the auction site. Decades later, he sold that business to a national company and then began to enjoy a well-deserved retirement, spending cold Kansas winters in Yuma.

Although he worked hard and often, for fun, Howard enjoyed racing multiple cars at 81 Speedway, riding Harleys, playing pool, attending his daughter’s ballgames, tinkering in his shop, betting friends on NASCAR races, riding his electric tricycle, the company of friends in Yuma playing fast track, and enjoying a good glass of wine.

Howard is survived by his daughter, Cindy Cleous Freeman of Cassoday, Kansas; granddaughter Bailey Tessendorf, and great-grandchild Zoey Fenn, both of Newton, Kansas.

After Wilma passed away in 2017, Howard re-connected with his former high school classmate, Joyce (Phillips) Burford. They married and she survives him.

Howard is preceded in death by his parents; brother Roy; sister Dorothy McBurney; wife Wilma; and son-in-law Chris Freeman.

Memorial Service is 10:00 a.m. Friday, July 17, 2026 at the First Baptist Church of Milton, Kansas with Pastor Mike Justice officiating. Inurnment follows at the Argonia Cemetery with military honors by the United States Army.

Memorial contributions may be made payable to First Baptist Church of Milton and can be sent in care of the funeral home.

Prairie Rose Funeral Homes, 613 W 14th St ~ Harper, Kansas 67058