of Morrison Bluff, AR
March 24, 1936 - March 12, 2025
Cletus P. Geels, 88, of Morrison Bluff, Arkansas passed away on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 in Fort Smith.
Cletus was born March 24, 1936 in Morrison Bluff to his parents, George Bernard Geels and Crescence Christine (Wewers) Geels. He was a veteran of the Arkansas National Guard and a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church where he served as a lay minister and lector. He worked as a dairy farmer raising registered Holsteins from 1964 to 1989 and beef cattle after that. His family was named Farm Family of the year in 1985, he also would plant a vegetable garden. He was a member of the Holstein Association, the Cattleman's Association, the American Milk Producers Association and a leader in the local 4H club. Cletus also worked for the Corp of Engineers helping to build bridges and worked for River Valley Incorporated for fourteen years as a load out operator before retiring. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #14619 in Scranton and helped to establish the Scranton Volunteer Fire Department. Cletus loved to hunt deer and turkey and was always ready for a game of pitch or a horseshoe tournament. He could always be found spending time with his children and grandkids.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife of forty-four years, Betty Jo (Zimmer) Geels; a son, B. Leo Geels; three sisters, Theresa Geels, Ernestine Ahrns and Betsy Schluterman; five brothers, Leo Geels, Bill Geels, Ray Geels, Bon Geels and Butch Geels and a son-in-law, Randall Churchman.
He is survived by four daughters, Laurie Churchman of Paris, Michelle Duff and husband, Gary of Lamar, Susan Sullivan and husband, Randal of Holly Lake Ranch, Texas and Amanda Geels of Scranton: three sons, Thomas Geels of Scranton, George Geels and wife, Erika of Lamar and Mark Geels and wife, Angela of Perryville; eighteen grandchildren; twenty-two great-grandchildren and several other family members and friends.
A visitation will be held from 6:00-7:00 p.m. Sunday, March 16, 2025 followed by a rosary at 7:00 p.m. at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church at Morrison Bluff.
A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, March 17, 2025 at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church officiated by Fr. John Miranda with burial to follow in Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Cemetery.
Funeral mass and arrangements are under the direction of Roller Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Dobber Standridge, Alan Schluterman, Robert Zimmer, Tim Geels, Johnny Gills and Brent Geels
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14 Condolence(s)
Billie wilson
Tuesday, March 18, 2025
Laurie Ann, Michele, mark, Tom, George, Mandy sorry for your loss even though I was always scared of uncle cletus he was a great man as I learned on a walk with him in tunica ms he was going on his morning walk and I went with him not only did he out walk me I got to know a him a little better and realized he wasn’t this scary man but a gentle soul that acted tough all y’all had a very special & hard working dad I am glad I had the chance to go on a walk with him hr will be missed by all love all of y’all
John & Sandy Fox
Monday, March 17, 2025
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for the family.
Emily Geels
Sunday, March 16, 2025
Prayers for all of the family in Scranton. Rest in Peace Uncle Cletus.
Charles and or Eleanor Fox
Saturday, March 15, 2025
So sorry to hear of his passing, we were friends years ago, he was married to my cousin, Betty Jo. Rest In Peace my friend.
Scherry Ewing White
Saturday, March 15, 2025
So sorry to hear of the passing of another of our family members. His deceased wife was my cousin. Have fond memories of the good times we had at family reunions at Cletus and Betty Jo’s home. Sending hugs and prayers to Cletus’ kids and their families.
Kathy Snow
Friday, March 14, 2025
To Laurie and rest of the family I'm sorry for your loss he has joined your beautiful momma now and Leo absence from the body is present with the Lord praying for you all with lots of love
Lisa Etzkorn
Friday, March 14, 2025
So sorry for your loss.
Prayers for the family.
Debbie Barber
Thursday, March 13, 2025
Sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad, I will keep your family in my prayers!
Paul John Frederick
Thursday, March 13, 2025
To the Geels family.
You all are in our thoughts and prayers in this time of loss for the family.
Paul and Melissa Frederick
Janet Carmack
Thursday, March 13, 2025
We’re so sorry for your loss. May God give you all comfort and peace.
Susan E. Johnson
Thursday, March 13, 2025
Prayers for faith and comfort for you all. Rest in peace sweet soul.
Wes Thompson
Wednesday, March 12, 2025
Prayers for family and friends
David Geels
Wednesday, March 12, 2025
Uncle Cletus was a wonderful example of faith, family and hard work. I will forever be grateful for that example and the last time we spent together shelling pecans and talking.
James VanLandingham
Wednesday, March 12, 2025
So sorry to hear of Cletus’s passing, have fond memories of him gathering at the milk barn after work. Always a good time. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you .James and Cheryl