Bonnie "Bo" Ellis McCleskey
July 12, 1951 ~ June 15, 2024
Bonnie "Bo" Ellis McCleskey, Jr., age 72, of Grapeland, Texas, a cherished figure known for his humor, kindness, and loving nature, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his adoring family on Saturday, the 15th day of June 2024. Born on the 12th day of July 1951, in Montgomery, Texas, to parents Bonnie Ellis McCleskey, Sr. and Virginia Lea Hough. Bo lived a life that was as vibrant and full-hearted as the trails he loved to ride.
A true outdoorsman, Bo found joy in the simple pleasures of life. His love for the Montgomery County Trail Riders Association was more than a hobby; it reflected his passion for nature, community, and the companionship of his fellow riders. Bo was also an avid fisherman and an exceptional horseman, whose happiest moments were often found in the boat or in the wagon.
Bo was the kind of man who would drop everything to be there for his loved ones, embodying the very essence of what it means to be a family man. His presence at family gatherings was a source of joy and comfort, his stories the highlight of every reunion.
Bo's hands were skilled and his heart generous; he was a jack of all trades who found pleasure in fixing, building, and creating. There was no task too big or too small for Bo, and he approached each with the same dedication and care. His ability to solve problems with a smile and a chuckle was one of the many qualities that made him so beloved.
Bo was preceded in death by his parents, Bonnie and Geneva McCleskey, Sr., and Virginia and Cecil Butler; his son, Shannon McCleskey; and his sisters, Barbara Reynolds, and Patricia Clark.
Left to honor and remember Bo's extraordinary life is his devoted wife, Susan McCleskey, who stood by his side through all of life's adventures. His legacy continues through his children, Bonnie "Bo" Ellis McCleskey, III and wife Rochene, Terry Lee McCleskey, Tyler "Ty" Wayne McCleskey, and Marie Cantrell. His sister, Bobbie Lopez, and brother, Roland "Red" McCleskey and wife Nancy, will hold dear the memories of their brother whose life was full of humor and heart. Bo's grandchildren, Brooke, Kevin, Joseph, Victoria, Virginia, Ian, Ava, Kylee, Taylor, and Cole will carry forward his spirit of kindness and the joy he spread so effortlessly. He also leaves behind his bonus children, Krystal Clark and husband Micki, Brett Poppenhusen, Bryce Turner, Angie Love and husband Scott, Montan Montemayor and wife Monica, and Keri Lincoln and husband Mike, along with many bonus grandchildren who were blessed to have Bo as a part of their lives.
A visitation where friends can express their love and support to Bo's family will be held from six o'clock until eight o'clock in the evening on Friday, the 21st day of June 2024 at Rhone Funeral Home. In accordance with Bo's wishes, following the visitation he will be cremated. The family will have a celebration of Bo's life at a later date.
In lieu of customary remembrances, memorials in memory of Bo McCleskey can be directed towards Shriner's Hospital for Children – Houston, Attn: Donor Development, 6977 Main Street, Houston, Tx 77030.
Visitation and cremation services for Bonnie "Bo" McCleskey are in care of Rhone Funeral Home.
We kindly request that you take a moment to express your condolences and share any cherished memories you may have by selecting the "Share a Memory" icon below. Your words of comfort will undoubtedly bring solace to his bereaved family.
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I met Bo when my Mom Joyce married my step dad Rags Newman, the memories I have from our days in Somerville and La Grange, I know they are up there now together having a heck of a time.
Bo is my dad, he mentally adopted me when I was 2yrs old. He and my mom devorced when I was A young girl and he still helped take care of me and raised me. Everything good and smart and funny about me I learned from him.some of my best thoughts and memories have him in them. He has always been there for me. I miss him so much it hurts to breathe. I get Great comfort in knowing he is home in heaven now. Its the place he has been waiting to go. I love You dad. I promise I will See you again.
Bo was my dad, he verbally adopted me when I was 2 yrs old. My mother and him divorced when I was Very young and he decided to keep me as his own. I remember When I was Little he would let me skip school to go morning fishing with him. I always thought I had The coolest dad. He has always been there for me. He’s helped me through some of my toughest times. It meant so much to me that every day he just chose to be my dad, though he didn’t half to be. I miss Him so much already it’s hurts to breathe. I get Great comfort knowing he’s with our Lord now. “To be absent from the body, is to be present with the Lordâ€. I lnow He will be eternally loved and happy now. I love You dad. I promise I will See you again in heaven. Till then.
Dad, as the oldest I have LOVED you longer, you called me your little brown eyed curly headed daughter since the age of 2 or for 51 years. I had no idea that my name was Marie Barnette as you always told everyone I was MeeMee McCleskey. The memories of me, you, Mom and Bo riding in play days at PawPaws (half dollar bar) or all over Montgomery County and surrounding counties, trail rides or family rides with PawPaw, Uncle Glen and Aunt Barbara to the creeks in New Caney, the Spanish Trail Ride with Joe and Donna Cantrell to the Superskirt ride in Houston. I remember when you would put the bridle on my horse, throw me on bareback and turned me loose you and Mom taught me to ride fearlessly and with passion. The times we went to the Hot Biscuit in Porter or the steakhouse in New Caney that had the giant family size hamburger. Ohh and the time you scared me after watching Friday the 13th when it 1st came out then sent me on the 3 wheeler to get your smokes from Aunt Barbara’s house and when I came back you was under the steps of our brand new mobile home, you grabbed my leg and I literally screamed like a girl and woke up Aunt Bobbie and Uncle Bob. I remember when the 4 of us would go to Granny and Cecil’s for supper and the whole family would be there.
Dad we talked about the song “cowgirls don’t cry†and you said I did not cry often but now my eyes are wet with tears. I worked hard to make YOU and Momma proud of me and then raising my boys the same way. You Cheered on Taylor and Cole through life with our text and calls. You reminded me often how much you loved me and how proud you are of us. Through hard times of Divorce and such your love never wavered. To this I say-as having no blood in common you are the only Daddy I have or have had.
Forever your baby girl
Please give Momma a big hug for me!!
I had the honor of being his friend, and his Pastor’s Wife at New Life Baptist Church. When Bo and Susie came into our lives, they merged with our hearts. They were avid, honest, and faithful workers.. Bo helped build the fellowship hall, as well as bbq’d for a church cause. He and Susie often worked cleaning the church and mowing the yard. He was a great encourager for anyone in need. I love him, and his family and am thankful for all the times we shared. -How beautiful Heaven must be.
A lifetime of memories with my fishing cowboy. I love and miss you so much. When we merged our lives we decided ALL the children would be in our family. We often joked about his hers and theirs. But in our hearts we loved them all together. Even When some didn’t want it that way. You were a true man with a true heart. I am so honored that close to 30 years God allowed us to be US. YOU TAUGHT ME SO MUCH! I will always honor your memory and our love for each othet