Pastor Cleo Counts

Pastor Cleo Counts, a beloved leader and pillar of the community, peacefully ascended to his heavenly home on April 14, 2025, at the age of 83. He was born on July 9, 1941, in Desloge, to the late Jewel “Peck” and Fannie (Whitaker) Counts. For 35 years, Pastor Cleo faithfully shepherded the congregation at Gumbo First Church of God, dedicating a total of 40 years to his sacred calling in ministry. His unwavering devotion to his church family and friends was matched only by the profound love he held for his own family, which was his greatest pride and joy.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife of 59 years, Barbara (Cox) Counts; daughter, Janet Thomure; three brothers, Alvin, James and Don Counts; Barbara’s parents, Dyer and Amanda Cox, Sr.

Pastor Cleo is survived by his daughter, Brenda Hampton and husband Tony; son, Frank Counts; son in-law, Paul Thomure; grandchildren, Cassi Sitton, Kenny (Courtney) Counts, Lauren Hampton, Jaimie Rion, Chris (Melissa) Thomure, Kayla Thomure and Payton Counts; great-grandchildren, Kylie, Hailey and Alyssa Sitton, Colten and Maci Rion, and Abigail Thomure; sister, Irma Bartlett; several nieces, nephews, extended church family and friends also survive.

Visitation will be held at C.Z. Boyer and Son Funeral Home in Desloge, Wednesday, April 16, 2025, from 5:00 PM until 9:00 PM. The visitation will resume Thursday, April 17, 2025, at 9:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM. Pastor Kendall Hughes will be officiating. Interment will follow at Herod Cemetery in Desloge. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to C.Z. Boyer and Son Funeral Home in Desloge to help the family with the funeral expenses.

As we honor Pastor Cleo’s remarkable life, we invite all who were touched by his spirit to join us in paying tribute to a man whose light shone brightly in this world. He will be profoundly missed, but his legacy will live on in the hearts of those he inspired.