Cleo H. Muller, 87, a resident of Blue Springs, MO passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones Thursday, January 28, 2021 at his home.
He was born February 7, 1933 to Herman and Cecilia (Cunningham) in Rossville, KS. Cleo was united in marriage to Yvonne E. LeMoine on February 11, 1956 in Concordia, KS, from that union 17 children were born. He served his country proudly in the United States Army during the Korean War. Cleo earned his Bachelor's Degree in Philosophy from Rockhurst University graduating in 1955 and his Juris Doctor Degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, graduating in 1962. In September of 1962 Cleo began practicing law while teaching at law school. Before long he entered into private practice with the firm of Muller and Muller. Early on in the practice Cleo worked in all phases of general law, later he moved to specialize in real estate, landlord tenant law, retail and commercial collection. Cleo also had extensive practice at both the Associate and Circuit levels and in Federal Bankruptcy Court. In 1966 he started Muller's Apple Orchard on the family farm until 1982. He served on the Executive Board of Jackson County Fruit Growers Association. Cleo was a long-time parishioner of St. John LaLande Catholic Church. Cleo was a member of the American Bar Association, Missouri Bar Association, Kansas City Bar Association, and Knights of Columbus.
Survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Yvonne Muller of the home; 16 children, Marilyn Muller, Joanne Gordon (Dave) of Blue Springs, MO, Kathy Baumstark (Denis) of Hermann, MO, Dianne Dallin of Longmont, CO, John Muller of Blue Springs, MO, Suzanne Hestwood (Kevin) of Blue Springs, MO, Judy Delp of Tallahasse, FL, Shelly Graef (Eric) of Blue Springs, MO, Patty Closser (Steve) of Blue Springs, MO, Terri Gilligan(Neil) of Tucson, AZ, Steve Muller of Boulder, CO, Tim Muller (Majorie) of Columbia, MO, Matthew Muller (JoAnn) of Wheat Ridge, CO, Nancy Williams (Herb) of Oak Grove, MO, Paul Muller (Hollee) of Oak Grove, MO, Mark Muller (Rebecca) of Lafayette, CO; 47 grandchildren; 39 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; sister, Margaret Mary Muller of Lee's Summit, MO.
Cleo is preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Cecilia Muller; daughter, Denise Muller; sister, Doris Mae Ahrens; brothers, James and Dennis Muller.
His family will receive friends and family from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Saturday, February 6, 2021 at St. John LaLande Catholic Church, 805 N.W. RD Mize Rd, Blue Springs, MO. The Rosary will be prayed at 10:30 a.m., Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Cleo's life will commence at 11 a.m., with Rev. Ron Elliot presiding. Inurnment will immediately follow at the Koger Cemetery.
