Cleston Lewis Milby

Cleston Lewis Milby, 87, formerly of Louisville, passed away on March 1, 2022, at the Greg & Noreen Wells Hospice Care Center in Hazard. He had been living for some time at the Eastern Kentucky Veterans Center. He was the son of the late Clarence E. Milby and Maggie Judd Milby and was born on February 10, 1935, in the Gabe community of Green County, Kentucky.

Cleston married Geneva Bernice Hudson of Taylor County on June 18, 1955. They were married for almost 55 years. Geneva preceded him in death on June 8, 2010. Cleston was an elder in the church, served on numerous committees, and sang in the choir for many years. Through the church, he was also a board member and served as president of the Fellowship of Concern in Bullitt County, a community organization that helps those in financial need. In later years, Cleston especially enjoyed his work as Hebron Presbyterian Church's representative to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) General Assembly Committee on Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations. He participated in many meetings and conferences in Louisville and other locations across the U.S.

After graduating from Green County High School in 1953, Cleston moved from Gabe to Louisville and was employed by General Electric at Appliance Park for 38 years. He was most recently a certified inspector in quality control. He served as the shop steward in Building 5 for over 20 years. The management and fellow employees alike counted on his compassion and objectivity to find solutions with good outcomes for all parties. After retirement from G.E., he, along with many of his friends, worked as a driver for Enterprise Rent-A-Car for 19 years.

“Cles”, as many knew him, served in the United States Army from 1957 to 1959 and was stationed for 14 months in Verona, Italy as a dispatcher in the motor pool at the Southern European Task Force headquarters (SETAF).

Cleston is survived by a son, David Milby of Lexington, and a daughter, Melisse Downs of Jeffersonville. Also surviving are grandchildren: Jessica Bingham (Chuck), Kari Downs, and Kaleb Milby; five great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Cleston was also preceded in death by his brothers and a sister: Oliver Milby, Edward Milby, Coy Milby, Archie Milby, Hershel “Buddy” Milby, Buford Milby, and Marcella Scott.

Cleston is interred next to Geneva, near his mother, father, and ancestors at the N.C. Milby Family Cemetery in the Gabe community.  A memorial service was held at Hebron Presbyterian Church at 1 p.m., Eastern Time, Saturday, June 11, 2022.

The Foster-Toler-Curry Funeral Home was in charge of the local arrangements.

Online Condolences: www.fostertolercurryfh.com