E.C. "Caswell" Van Cleve, II, age 81, passed away peacefully at his home on October 12, 2024. He was born on February 1, 1943, in Houston, Texas, to Elmer and Major Van Cleve.

Caswell spent his early years on the family ranch in Cometa, where he developed a deep love for the land and the lifestyle it offered. He cherished memories of riding horses and working cattle alongside his father and grandfather, experiences that shaped his lifelong passion for ranching. He graduated from Crystal City High School in 1962 before moving to San Antonio, where he briefly served with the San Antonio Police Department. Following this, he moved back to the ranch and attended Southwest Texas Junior College while farming, ranching and breaking horses.

After a few years back in the Houston area where he worked alongside his father in his carpentry business, Caswell returned to the ranch, where he would spend the remainder of his life. Throughout his diverse career, he formed lasting friendships through his work within the carpentry business, the USDA State and Federal Tick Force Program, Production Credit Association, Zavala County Bank, and Van Cleve Construction which included fence building, heavy equipment operation, and later, caring for a neighboring ranch.

A dedicated rancher, Caswell, was deeply involved in his community.  Caswell was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church of Carrizo Springs.

He loved farming, working cattle, team roping, and passionately supported his children's FFA and 4-H projects, as well as their rodeo pursuits. He was instrumental in founding the Dimmit County Youth Rodeo Club in 1982, serving as President and director for many years.

Caswell is survived by his wife, Dana Van Cleve, whom he married in 2002; his sister, Dell Marie Shields (Garvis); his children, Holly Van Cleve and Cole Van Cleve (Nicole); daughter-in-law, Amanda Van Cleve ; and his stepchildren, Jennifer Whisner, Amanda Steele, and Ryan Phillips. He leaves behind numerous grandchildren, step-grandchildren, and one step-great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer Cortis and Major Van Cleve, and his oldest son, Quentin Dale Van Cleve.

Visitation will be held at Leonard Funeral Home in Carrizo Springs on Thursday evening, October 17, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. The funeral service will take place on Friday, October 18, at 10:00 AM at Leonard Funeral Home, followed by a graveside service at the family plot in Cometa. Everyone is invited to join the family for a luncheon afterwards at the Cometa Community Center at the Speer Ranch.

Caswell's legacy and love for the land will be remembered by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers feel free to make a memorial donation to Baptist Missionaries Fund or Lutheran World Relief.