Obituary
Mr. Cletis Lorne Modesitt of Indianapolis passed away peacefully on the morning of Thursday, November 14, 2024, at the age of 95. Cletis led a long and fulfilling life, dedicated to his family, community, and craft. Cletis began his journey in Indiana, where he attended high school before proudly serving his country in the Army National Guard. He later embarked on a long and distinguished career as a mechanic with the former Stark and Wetzel Company in Indianapolis. A highly skilled, self-taught mechanic, Cletis took immense pride in his work, often found tinkering in his garage, fixing vehicles, and helping those in need of a knowledgeable hand. Over his career, he was a member of both the Teamsters Union Local 135 and the Meat Cutters and Packinghouse Workers Union Local 167, demonstrating his commitment to the values of hard work and camaraderie.
Cletis had a passion for family and loved spending time with his children and extended family, particularly cherishing vacations together in Tennessee, which brought him great joy and cherished memories. His legacy of kindness, and an indomitable work ethic lives on in his children: Lavonne Barnes, Patty Adair, Melissa Foster, Melinda Modesitt, Harry Modesitt, and Joseph Modesitt, as well as his numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Lois Louise Mesey, and two beloved nephews.
In addition to his parents, Cletis was preceded in death by his wife, Bernice Wilma (Hinesley) Modesitt, with whom he shared many joyful years, as well as by his two sons, Cleve Modesitt and Steven Modisett.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Monday, November 18, 2024, at Forest Lawn Funeral Home in Greenwood. Family and friends are invited to gather and pay their respects starting at noon until the hour of service. A contingent from the United States Army will confer military honors. He will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens.
For those wishing to honor Cletis’ memory, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to the Parkinson’s Association in his name.