Virgil Mack Cleveland was born July 30th, 1944 in Borger, Texas to Rose Bell (Sherwood) and William Virgil Cleveland. He passed away Thursday, December 22nd, 2022 at Oklahoma City, Oklahoma at the age of 78 years, 4 months and 22 days. Virgil, known by most as “Porkey” because he was born with a full head of hair that stuck straight out, spent his childhood moving throughout Oklahoma and Texas. As a teenager he enlisted in the United States Army and later the United States Navy.

He was stationed in San Diego, California and served on the USS England in Japan, Philippines, and Vietnam. After his discharge, Porkey moved to Clinton where he met Darla Ruth (Barnard) at Kellwoods clothing manufacturer and they were later married on May 10th, 1968. Together they lived in Clinton for 10 years. He joined the Army National Guard in 1973. He continued with the National Guard and obtained a position with ODOT in Clinton and was transferred to Elk City as a supervisor in 1978. They continued to make their home in Elk City even after Porkey’s retirement in 2000. Porkey enjoyed traveling and spent many hours driving to Alaska and also enjoyed spending time with his family and especially his grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents; 1 brother, Grover Cleveland; and 1 sister, Carolyn Alexander.

Porkey is survived by his wife, Darla, of the home; 2 sons, Dustin Cleveland, Elk City, and Jason Cleveland and wife, Jennifer, Elk City, OK; 3 grandchildren, Kristen Hart and husband Devon, Allison Cleveland, and Jadyn Cleveland, all of Elk City, OK; 1 great grandson, Cooper Price and a host of other relatives and friends.

Donations can be made to the VFW in Porkey’s name, Virgil Cleveland.

Funeral service will be held Wednesday, December 28th, 2022 at 2:00 PM at the Fairlawn Chapel officiated by Wendell Nowlin. Burial will be at Fairlawn Cemetery under the direction of Chris Whinery and the staff of Affordable Cremation Service-West. Condolences can be made online at www.classicfunerals. com