Jake William Kliewer 1920-2011 Jake William Kliewer was born in Shafter, CA. on September 6, 1920, to Henry and Susie Kliewer. Jake married Lela Kathryn Kliewer on June 3, 1944 in Roswell, NM. while serving in the Army Air Corps during World War II. Upon discharge and return to Shafter, Jake worked as a bus driver at Maple Elementary School; his work brought much joy to his life, as he loved children. He received the most happiness from his family and thoroughly enjoyed being the father to three daughters, loving them dearly, and encouraging them to be the best persons they could be. One of his hobbies was woodworking, and cutting boards was easily his specialty; numerous friends, family and neighbors were presented cutting boards that he made with care. Jake was a man of strong faith, and always active in his church. He was a very friendly and outgoing man, who enjoyed speaking with all kinds of people. He will be greatly missed. He drove the Maple School bus for 35 years picking up and delivering kids to and from school. He also drove the bus to many school activities, such as competition games with other schools and always to Los Angeles for one adventure or another. One time he drove the eighth graders to Sacramento to view our state's capitol. He never feared taking that bus wherever the kids wanted to go. Later on his bus driving skills took him to the Valley Bible Church, driving the kids to camp and other outings that they would go on. Also, in his later years he participated in keeping the church in good repair. He loved serving the Lord in this manner. Jake was always ready at hand when Bible School came along, and helped the teachers by cutting out projects from wood to be used by the children. He delivered Lela's home-baked cookies for the children's treats. Jake loved to sing. He had quite a tenor voice that he was very proud of, and would sing on occasion and play the harmonica and accordion. At home he led Sunday afternoon songfests with his family, especially after his daughter Regena learned to play the piano. These were some of his happiest days together as a family. Lela was from Oklahoma, and he would take the family to Oklahoma every few years so we could visit with our Grandma and Grampa Jackson and play with our cousins. Dad went fishing there almost every day with Uncle Lewis and Uncle Trolley. It was the highlight of his vacation. Since Lela didn't drive, he did all the driving, only resting occasionally at some of the rest stops. We packed lunches to be eaten in the car and stopped only for soda, watermelon and gas. What a treat that was. His love of driving took us far and wide. We saw many historical places, and occasionally a swimming hole to get wet in. Jake is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 65 years, Lela, who passed away on December 4, 2009. He is survived by three daughters, Leola Handy, Dorothy Redd and her husband John, and Regena Kliewer and her husband Daniel Saks; grandchildren, Elizabeth Handy, Brian Hull and his wife Felicia Jackson, Kent Hull and his wife Beth, Ron Hull, father of Brian and Kent Hull, and Bryan Redd and his wife Megan; great-grandchildren, Jacob Jackson Hull, Lucas Jackson Hull, Jordan Hamelin Hull, Logan Hamelin Hull, Donovan Avery, Brennan Gareth Redd, and Eris Reimel; and numerous nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be held at Shafter Memorial Park on Saturday, January 15, 2011 at 10:00am; memorial service will follow beginning at 11:00am at Valley Bible Church in Shafter, Pastor Mike Polley will officiate the services. Pastor Dean Long of the Free Will Baptist Church in Shafter will also speak and give the closing prayer.