Cleon Boyd

Cleon Boyd, 75, of Owensboro, passed away Wednesday, August 27 at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital. He was born in Owensboro to the late Raymond and Antonia Green Shemwell.

Mr. Boyd was the first African-American hired by the former Ragu plant (now Mizkan America), retiring after more than 35 years of service. In more recent years, he was employed full-time for the Owensboro School System. He was an active member of 10th Street Baptist Church where he served in many capacities, including time as a deacon and on the finance committee.

Cleon enjoyed attending and supporting family sporting events, working in his yard, watching westerns and cheering on the Chicago Bears.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 19 years, Zuetta Boyd, in 2019.

Mr. Boyd is survived by daughters, Lanita Wilson, Lisa McHenry, Iva McHenry, all of Owensboro, and Renee McArthur (Chris) of Clarksville, TN; sons, Terry Bell, DeAndre Basham and Dartez Basham, all of Owensboro; grandchildren, Latisha, Detona, Clarence, Samuel, Robert, Lawrence, Jr., Ariona, Tatyana, De'Ryan, Quandra, Alexia, Mercedes, Alexis, DeAirius, Terah and Charmaine; a “bonus grandson”, Lee Spangler; 31 great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews and family members from the McHenry family; and dear friends, Bill and Dora Young of Louisville and Betty McCreary of Owensboro.

The funeral service will be held at 12:00 PM, Saturday, September 6th, at 10th Street Missionary Baptist Church, 1213 E 10th St, Owensboro, KY 42303, where visitation will be from 10:00 AM until time of service. Burial will be at Elmwood Cemetery.

Care by Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to Mr. Boyd’s family C/O Lanita Wilson, 900 Old Hartford Rd., Owensboro, KY 42303.

Messages and condolences for the family may be offered at www.glenncares.com.