Mr. Van Cleef was born Aug. 4, 1940, in Salina, Kan. He retired as curator of education for the Pink Palace Museum, where he worked from 1967 to 1990 educating and influencing generations of Memphis children.

He graduated from Southwestern State College, now Oklahoma Southwestern State College in 1962 and did his graduate work at the University of Oklahoma.

He began his career with the University’s Stovall Museum in Norman, Okla., and moved to Memphis in 1967 to work at the Pink Palace.

Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Katheryn; a daughter, Kelley McGahey and husband Charles of Florence, Ala.; a son, Kevin and wife Denise of Memphis; his mother, Arlene Van Cleef, of Salina; a sister, Saundra Lewis of Magnolia, Ark.; and four grandchildren, Benz, Erin, Allie and Robert.

A graveside service will be at 10 a.m. Monday in Roselawn Memorial Park, Salina.

Memorials may be made to Central Church, Collierville, in care of Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. Eighth, Salina, KS 67401.