Cleon Arthur Bigelow, 75, of Middlebury

MIDDLEBURY — On Friday, September 27, 2024, at 7:00 a.m., Cleon Arthur Bigelow passed away surrounded by family at his home.

CLEON ARTHUR BIGELOW

Cleon was the eldest son of Harold and Gladys (Maheu) Bigelow. Harold was a milkman at the Monument Farms factory, where Cleon began working after school at the age of 8 as a bottle washer. Cleon was the oldest of five children and also had an older half-brother, Gene. The family was brought up in Weybridge. In 1954 he began working part-time as an employee at Jackson Farm, where he met his future wife, Helen. Cleon attended Middlebury High School – he had fond memories of his Tiger football days and learning woodworking skills in shop class. After graduation, Cleon joined the Vermont National Guard and trained monthly as a tanker until 1964.

Cleon married Helen Jackson in November 1957. Together they raised their family and became valued members of the Middlebury community. After leaving the Jackson farm in 1961, Cleon had several jobs, notably working at the Palmers Plastics plant from 1964 to 1969, then developing his carpentry skills working for Dutton Smith Construction. In 1970, Cleon focused his attention and determination on starting his own business and Bigelow Building & Remodeling was created. With his tireless work ethic, he built a successful carpentry business, remaining in business until he retired from construction in 1997. Part of his legacy is the many homes he built and remodeled throughout Addison County.

Cleon served as a member of the Middlebury Zoning Board in 1977 and 1978. He joined the Middlebury Lions Club in 1972, serving as their president in 1975 and for several years as a board member and treasurer. With the Lions he put his construction talents to work building many handicap ramps for area residents. He also directed the Lions eyeglass recycling program and played a leadership role with the Lions in establishing the Eye Bank, Hearing Aid Bank and Text Telephone program for the deaf in Vermont. He led the club’s construction of the Lions food stand at the Addison County Fairgrounds and managed its maintenance until a few years ago. He has also been a member of the American Legion since 1978.

Cleon joined the Addison County Fair and Field Days board of directors in 1992. He became the field manager at the field days site in 1997 and served as Field Days board chairman for the 2000-2003 seasons. He retired from the board and as groundskeeper in 2013.

He is survived by his three children, Cherie DeVarney (Bob) of Milton, Cindy Atkins (Jerry) of Weybridge and CDR Randall Bigelow, USN (RET) of Addison. He is also survived by his dear grandchildren, Megan (Mathew) Curran of Middlebury, Jacqueline Atkins (Nolan) of South Burlington and Spencer McHenry (Kari Jo) of Milton. Cleon also leaves behind five great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers and their spouses, Bernard (Ginny) and Stanton (Jan), and his sister Sandra Mitchell, along with many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Helen (Jackson) Bigelow and brothers John Bigelow and Gene Maheu.

Cleon will be remembered as a person who always served others. He will be greatly missed.

A celebration of life is scheduled for both Cleon and Helen J. Bigelow at the Middlebury American Legion on Sunday, September 29 at 12:30 p.m. Donations in the couple’s name can be made to either the Middlebury Lions Club or Neat. Repeat resale shop.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Addison County Home Health and Hospice for all their assistance, support and great care. ◊