Lucian Andy VanCleave Jr., lovingly known to all who cherished him as "Chief," a decorated Vietnam War veteran, devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, and a man of steadfast character, passed away on May 11, 2026, at the age of 78, surrounded by his children at the VA Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Chief was born on January 13, 1948, in Paris, Tennessee, the son of Lucian and Virgie VanCleave. He later made his home in Farmington Hills, Michigan, where he would spend most of his life. Chief was raised a Baptist and carried his faith with him throughout his life. A natural athlete in his younger years, he competed as a football player with the same determination and grit he would carry throughout his life.

Chief answered his country's call and served with great distinction in the United States Army's storied 101st Airborne Division, the legendary Screaming Eagles, B Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, during the Vietnam War, one of the most decorated and celebrated units in American military history. He earned the Purple Heart for wounds sustained in service to his nation, a testament to his courage and sacrifice. He was also awarded the prestigious Army Expert Rifleman Badge, the highest marksmanship qualification in the U.S. Army, reflecting his exceptional skill and focus.

After his military service, Chief built a dedicated career as a Molding Foreman, a role that suited his disciplined nature, attention to detail, and pride in craftsmanship.

In 1988, Chief married the love of his life, June Laurraine VanCleave, and together they spent 38 years sharing the same passions: raising their children, camping up north, antique cars, beers and bonfires, having breakfast for dinner, watching and feeding wild orioles and hummingbirds, and listening to George Jones.

Chief is survived by his devoted wife, June Laurraine VanCleave, and their beloved children and their families: his son Lucian Andy (Dominica "Niki") VanCleave III; his daughter Charlotte "Char" (Joey) Dabish; his daughter Audra Chase (Greg Creech); his son Andrew Schoen (Melissa Schreiber); and Taylor (Tina) Chase, as well as his beloved sisters, Patricia Ann (Norm) McGarry, Renee (Bob) Patteen, and Virgie Downs.

Chief was the proud grandfather of Taylor (Mikayla), Victoria, Ryann, Jaiden, Joanna (Tegan), Lucas, Noah, William (Malissa), and Taylor, and the proud great-grandfather of Rylee, Baylee, Maybelle, Emmie, and Edison.

Chief was preceded in death by his parents, Lucian and Virgie Ola VanCleave, and his sisters, Susie (Clay) Kahabka and Betty (Tom) Duteau.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Wounded Warrior Project or the Disabled American Veterans (DAV).