| Graduation Year | Class of 1953 |
| Date of Passing | (unknown) |
| About | Cleatus Vest, Class of '53 and football uniform number 53, was an enormous physical presence and always dominated the room. He was the biggest McFarland High School freshman we could remember at 6' 2" 220 lbs. and a force on the football field from the beginning. He lined up on the left side of the defensive line and from the first few plays our opponents knew where Cleatus was on the field. He was double and triple teamed for four years which gave his teammates easier access to attack the enemy offensive backs. He still body slammed enough running backs from Maricopa, Garces, Tehachapi to gain All League honors and the respect of the entire Sierra League. Cleatus and Don Coker so intimidated the Garces Rams in the 1951 season opener that they removed their top running back early in the 2nd half to be seen no more. Cleatus' home life was not unlike many in McFarland as he was raised by his Grandmother and they survived with difficulty. His big laugh and terrific smile covered up those tough times and most of us never really knew what he had to overcome. He was an average student at best and inclined to let his mischievous nature take him from one calamity to another. Fools often wanted to test his reputation and he was ready for the challenge. I sparred with him him enough in PE that I can attest to the power of his punch. His friends extracted him from trouble often and law enforcement knew him by his full name. The last time I saw him was at a 2000 McFarland high school reunion for graduating classes from the years 1951-52-53-54 and he had added a new twist to his persona. He was selected at that reunion as the classmate having changed the least but I saw an unexpected and remarkable change from the schoolboy I knew. Of all employment positions I would have imagined he would hold, never would I think of him employed by our old high school as the truant officer. We all had an opportunity to address the classmates but Cleatus captured the night. I had never heard him speak publicly and he was a surprising delight. He avoided the dark times of his life and offered unexpected inspiration. He told us of his real love for us, for McFarland, the High School, the students and most of all his boy scout troop number 40. He served as Scout Master for a few seasons and he considered that to be a reason for his transformation. Then, unexpectedly, he sang the verses of a favorite camping song of the young scouts in his troop . . . and actually carried the tune quite well. I am sorry that I never really knew the serious side of this guy who was bigger than life. Here are the verses of that song that reveal the charming side of the real Cleatus: A scout is trustworthy, he's loyal, true blue, Helpful, friendly, courteous to me and to you Kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty every cent, A scout is brave, clean, and reverent. A scout is obedient of rules that are there, And works from within to change those deemed unfair, He's cheerful, he smiles, looks for the bright side, And helps dry the tears of others who've cried. A scout is clean in thought, word, and deed, Helps others to learn and to share these beliefs, He is always reverent of our God above, Reaches out to others to share His great love. On my honor I will do my best, To God and my country, to face every test, To obey the Scout Law, help others always, Be strong, and be wise, and morally straight. He ended with the song and took his seat. We were all quiet for a moment then gave him the enthusiastic response he deserved. We suddenly knew a mature and compassionate Cleatus that loved life. He made us laugh and reinforced our love for this undisciplined classmate of our high school years. A good marriage transformed Cleatus and his true nature came to the front. As an officer in the Delano Police Department he proved his character. He actually arrested a popular City Official for breaking the law. His refusal to overlook the crime cost his job but proved his commitment to truth and fairness. He served as the Truant Officer for the McFarland Schools for several years until his passing and his personal childhood experience with truancy bolstered his credentials. Cleatus lost his wife too early but certainly made the most of a few lonely years. We lost this Number 53 "bigger than life" teddy bear in 2001. Cleatus, we miss you but that Scout song still rings in my ears. |
