BOYKINS—Thomas “Tom” Benjamin Cleaton, 75, passed away November 1, 2011.

Thomas was born on April 9, 1936, in Amelia County, Va., to the late Koakish Warren and Pearl Dabney Cleaton. He was one of 11 children.

Thomas served his country in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. Following his service, he graduated in June of 1963 from Virginia Polytechnic Institute with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics.

He served the Southampton County community with the Virginia Department of Health as an Environmental Health Specialist Senior for 30 years, retiring in the spring of 1997.

Thomas was predeceased by his wife, Patty Connor Cleaton; his sister, Margaret and brothers, Koakish Jr., Aubrey and Harrel.

Thomas was a member of the American Legion and a former member of the Meherrin Coin Club. He was a longtime member and supporter of the National Rifle Association.

He loved hunting, fishing and target shooting, but his favorite activity was raising a bountiful garden to share with family and friends.

Left to cherish his memory are his son, Garnett and wife, Michelle, of Zuni; two grandchildren, Alyssa and Lydia; two sisters, Grace and Virginia; four brothers, Donald, Raymond, Melvin and Harvey; and dear friends, Dallas and Donna Belcher and Bruce and Peggy Trew.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, November 5, 2011, at Wright Funeral Home, Franklin, with the Rev. Ted Petts officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in Beechwood Cemetery, Boykins. The family will receive friends Friday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org.