Cleve H. Forward Sr. was born to Emerson Forward and Johnnie Bryant on September 22, 1939 in Jasper, Texas. He attended J.H. Rowe High School. He graduated from Texas College with a Bachelor of Science Degree.

Cleve married Ova on March 27, 1961, to this union four children were born.

Cleve joined church at an early age, and later joined, College Hill Missionary Baptist Church.

Cleve retired from Fina Oil Company after 35 years and worked for Valero for 5 years after retirement.

Cleve was preceded in death by his mother Johnnie Bryant, father Emerson Forward, sisters Madie Gasaway Kimble, Martha Forward Dixon, brothers Willie James Gasaway, and Sam Forward.

He leaves to mourn his wife, Ova Forward, Tyler, TX.

Children: Graciela Steward(Walter) Rowlett, Texas, Tonya Oliver (Bryan) Tyler, TX., Sheryl Harris (Nigel) Tyler, TX, Cleve Forward Jr. ( Regina) Tyler, TX, D'Angela Green, Atlanta, Georgia,  and Christopher Hearn, Beaumont, Tx.

Sisters: Margaret Lewis, Santa Fe, Texas, Mildred Bryant, Hitchcock, Tx, Pandora Lee, League City, TX,  Debra Lee, League City, TX.

Brothers: Clarence Gasaway, Kauai, Hawaii, Charles Forward, Beaumont, TX., Ronald Forward, Beaumont, TX, Donald Forward (Tammy), Beaumont, TX.

Grandchildren: Jason Wickware Sr.(Ny'Lyn) Tyler, TX., Jamie Reincke (Chad), Bonita Springs, Florida, Jasmin Creal(Joseph) Mansfield, TX., Johnathan Richard (Shaletha) Tyler, TX. Ja'Nieka Forward, Jade Forward, Justin Forward, Jayla Callier, Jourdain Steward, Nevaeh Green.

Great-grandchildren: Jasa Wickware, Ja,Nya Wickware, Jason Wickware Jr., Kayla Steward, Joseph Creal III, Kennedy Creal, Nasir Russeau, Camden Rincke, and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.