John M. Cleary (August 21, 1869 – December 28, 1948) was a lawyer, judge and state politician from Missouri.

John M. Cleary was born on August 21, 1869, near Odell, Illinois.

[1][2] Cleary supported organized labor legislation and was credited with the state barber inspection law.

[2] Cleary continued his law practice after his term expired.

[1] Cleary was appointed by Governor Lloyd C. Stark in 1938 to replace Daniel Bird as judge of the Jackson County Circuit Court.