Memorial services for Lee Cleveland “Cleve” Tarver, of Downsville, Louisiana, will be held at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 1901 Lexington Ave., Monroe, LA at 2:00 P.M. on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. Cleve was a retired office equipment salesman. Officiating will be Olivia Pruett, SPUMC Director of Discipleship and Congregational Care, and Rev. Robin Tarver, Presbyterian Minister.

He is survived by his wife, Brenda Elizabeth Miles Tarver; his daughter, Kaitlin Rose Tarver, and fiancé, Wes Norman; his sister, Laura Tarver; his brother, Craig Tarver; his stepsons, Matthew Branch and wife, Liana, and their children, Barrett and Charlotte; Jacob Branch and wife, Haley, and their children, Lillian and Bennett; and his mother-in-law, Glenda Jerri Miles.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack Byron Tarver and Mona Tarver Moore; his brother, Jay Tarver; his sister, Collette Tarver; his father-in-law, Dan Miles; and his brother-in-law, Jack Miles.

Cleve was a native of Monroe and graduated from Ridgedale Academy in West Monroe. He also attended both Louisiana Tech University and Northeast Louisiana University (ULM). He was a graduate of Leadership Ouachita and was a lifelong member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church where he faithfully served as an usher.

Cleve devoted 45 years of his career to the office equipment industry, where he built lasting friendships and earned the respect of customers and coworkers alike. He began his career working alongside his Uncle Earl, who gave him his first opportunity in the business. Throughout his career, Cleve became known not only for his knowledge and professionalism, but also for his genuine kindness and the lasting friendships he formed wherever life took him.

Away from work, Cleve found his greatest joy outdoors. His love of golf began at an early age and remained a lifelong passion. He also enjoyed skiing, cheering for the LSU Tigers, and spending time on Lake D’Arbonne.

Cleve never met a stranger and had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel welcome. He and Brenda loved opening their home to family and friends, where laughter and conversation were always in abundance. With his deep, unmistakable voice, quick wit, and caring heart, Cleve could fill a room with warmth and laughter. He enjoyed making people smile, loved a good joke, and treasured every opportunity to be surrounded by those he loved.

Every morning began much the same. With a cup of coffee in hand, Cleve would settle into his favorite chair on the deck to watch the sunrise over the lake as bald eagles soared overhead and dove into the water for fish, all while catching up on the phone with his buddies, who, like him, were early risers.

Cleve treasured lifelong friendships, and none was more special than the bond he shared with his dear friend, Lee Webster. His family finds comfort in imagining the laughter and friendship they shared on earth continuing once again in Heaven.

Although his chair on the deck now sits empty, the beauty of Eagle Bay remains. Whenever a bald eagle soars overhead or glides down to the water, we will smile, remember Cleve, and give thanks for the life and love he shared with us.

Honorary pallbearers will be John Funderburg, S.J. Cicero, Jesse Fulmer, Stuart Richardson, and Wes Norman.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, July 22, 2026, from 1:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 1901 Lexington Ave., Monroe, LA 71201.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana, 4600 Central Ave., Monroe, LA 71203, or St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 1901 Lexington Ave., Monroe, LA 71201.