June and John Doss

August 19, 2025

U.S. Veteran  

June Eileen (Cleveland) Doss, 68, rural Dundas, died Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Mo. after a heroic battle with cancer.  Her husband, John F. Doss, 79, rural Dundas, died Aug. 21, 2025 at their home.

June was born June 23, 1957 in Carmi, IL, the daughter of Charles A. and Carolyn (Campbell) Cleveland. She graduated from Crossville Community High School in 1975 and received  her higher education at Southern Illinois University, Eastern Illinois University and Indiana University. John was born March 9, 1946 in Chicago, the son of Fred and Dorthy Doss. He was raised in northern Indiana, graduated from Plymouth (Ind.) High School and earned degrees from SIUC and Indiana University..

June found her true joy as a devoted follower of Christ and a loving mother and grandmother. Those who knew her well recognized her as a loyal and encouraging friend, always putting others first, even amid her own recent challenges. Her unwavering concern for others created a warm and supportive presence that left a lasting impact on everyone around her. 

June and John were married May 28, 1977 in Crossville, IL.  June went on to work at East Richland Middle school for many years where she ultimately retired. In recent years, she could be found reading a new book, picking fruit from their orchard or being with grandkids. She loved playing the piano and being outdoors.

A dedicated and quiet veteran, John enlisted in the United States Army in 1968. He honorably served his country from 1968 through 1973, achieving the rank of Chief Warrant Officer (CW2). He served in Vietnam (as part of the 101st Airborne) as a helicopter pilot and was awarded many decorations, including the Bronze Star, the Air Medal and the Army Commendation Medal.  John was honored by the U.S. Marine Corps in 1990 for outstanding service on behalf of the Marines’ recruiting efforts. 
 He taught at schools in Liberty and Cisne, Ill., where he served as a guidance counselor, before he and June joined the staff of the East Richland school district in Olney, where they concluded their careers in education. John was fondly remembered as being a favorite teacher among many of his students.

Early in their marriage, John and June travelled the art festival circuit - creating many fond family memories. He was an incredibly talented artisan creating jewelry and many other forms of art throughout his life. He loved basketball and was credited by his peers as one who was great at teaching the fundamentals, in the gym and in the classroom. He also enjoyed coaching softball and closely followed his children’s successful scholastic careers in basketball, softball and tennis. 

Survivors include their children Adam (Emily) Doss, Evie (Scott) Sommerville, Hannah (Ben) Dons, 9 grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.  Also, Grandma Carolyn Cleveland, Cathy Hanks, Barry (Karen) Cleveland, and Mary Ann (Greg) McVey and sister-in-law Jane Doss.  

A joint celebration of life will be held beginning at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, at Elm Street Christian Church in Olney.  The family requests in lieu of flowers that donations be made to either the Wounded Warrior Project or Cornerstone Community Church, of Noble, IL. 

Arrangements are under the care of the Meyer Funeral Home in Olney, Illinois.   The obituary can be viewed, and condolences left at www.meyerfh.com.

Meyer Funeral Home, Olney, IL