Karl Reece McCleve

Karl Reece McCleve passed away on December 6, 2024. He was born on October 29, 1952, in McNary, Arizona, to Jerry Hatch and Leo Reece McCleve. Karl was the third of four children and was preceded in death by his infant brother, Darrell Lee. He was deeply loved by his sisters, Lynda and Darlene.

Karl was raised in Show Low and Taylor, Arizona, embracing the life of a cowboy. He fondly recalled his time spent at his granddad’s ranch near Taylor, where his love for ranching and the outdoors took root. Karl graduated from Snowflake High School in 1970 and attended Eastern Arizona College. He was a proud member of the rodeo club, where he continued his love of bull riding.

Karl served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Belfast, Ireland, a service he treasured deeply. His love for missionary work extended far beyond his formal mission, and he remained a lifelong missionary, cherishing his roles as a ward and stake missionary.

Karl was a skilled carpenter and homebuilder renowned for his craftsmanship, integrity, and attention to detail. Among his many projects, he took great pride in contributing to the construction of the Gilbert, Arizona Temple. Karl had a profound love for his family and his heritage. His dedication to family history work reflected his pride in his pioneer and Irish ancestry, as he honored the legacy of those who came before him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jerry Hatch and Leo Reece McCleve, and his brother, Darrell Lee McCleve. Karl is survived by his beloved sisters, Lynda Brinkerhoff and Darlene Dickenson; his children, Rebecca (Seth) Traeger, Emily (Marc) Nunes, Jason McCleve, and Taylor McCleve; and his nine adored grandchildren—Parker, Madison, Austin, Colton, Kinsley, Kelsey, Kayley, Bennett, and Brycen—who lovingly called him Grandpa Mac. Many nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive him. Karl’s legacy of love, faith, and hard work will be remembered by all who knew him.

Funeral services will be held at 9:30 am on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Discovery Ward Building, 3307 S. Greenfield Rd., Gilbert, Arizona. A viewing will be held at 8:30 am prior to the services. Interment will be at the Reed Hatch Memorial Cemetery at 3 p.m. in Taylor, AZ.

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