Cleatius James Gouldman, 86, of Niles, passed away at noon Saturday, Nov. 6, 2010 at the Veterans Administration Medical Center at Fort Custer in Battle Creek, Mich.

Cleatius was born Jan. 31, 1925 to the late Fred and Manilla House (a Cherokee Princess) Gouldman in Kansas City, Mo.

After only a fourth grade education and cotton picking, mule farming, fishing, hunting and building dams to create the Lake of the Ozarks of Missouri, Cleatius joined the United States Navy to fight in World War II. He was the tail gunner against the suicide pilots of Japan, where he saved the Intrepid Aircraft Carrier that is now a museum in New York City.

After coming home from the Navy, Cleatius began working all over the place. He met Margie Smith (a Tennessee princess); they were married May 24, 1947.  He then began working for National Standard in Niles. He retired from there after working more than 36 dedicated years.

Together, Cleatius and Margie had a son, Cleatius DeWayne Gouldman, who was born in 1948 in Niles.

Cleatius, Sr. is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Margie; sisters, Margie and Norma Jean; and brother, Johnny Gouldman.

Cleatius is survived by his son, Cleatius D. Gouldman; grandson, Cleatius Jesse Gouldman of Niles Township; great-granddaughter, Autumn Gouldman of Marquette, Mich.; brother, Ray B. Gouldman of Niles Township; and sister, Fay Ruth Gouldman of Niles.

Funeral services to honor Cleatius will be held Saturday, Nov. 13, 2010 at Mission Hills Memorial Chapel at noon.

Memorial donations may be made in Cleatius’ memory to the Boy Scouts of America in honor of the Eagle Scout he created in his son.

Those wishing to leave a message for his family, upload a photo or leave condolences may do so at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Niles.