Gilbert Theodore VanCleve, 86, of Vincennes, Ind. died January 10, 2000 at Lodge of the Wabash in Vincennes.

Mr. VanCleve was born January 16, 1912 in Olney, the son of Charles and Ruth (Schaeffer) VanCleve. He married Mary Eloise Roberts July 23, 1932. She preceded him in death.

He was a former owner of Van's Appliance & Sporting Goods Store. He served as sheriff of Richland County and had worked for the Illinois Highway Department. He was a member of the Olney First United Methodist Church, Kiwanis, Masonic Lodge in Olney and was a member of the Illinois Sheriffs' Association.

Mr. VanCleve is survived by two daughters, Kathy Burkhart of Hazelton, Ind. and Sandy Mattingly of Olney; one sister, Elizabeth Scott of Vincennes, Ind.; seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Eloise VanCleve; one son; one brother and one sister.

Published in Olney Daily Mail (IL)