Kayle Val McNeil, 77, passed away May 26, 2021, at home in Lakeside, AZ, after a long battle with prostate cancer. Born in Wickenburg, and raised mostly in the Valley, the White Mountains have been his permanent home for the last 50 years.
He was a Mesa High Jackrabbit, served in the Marines from 1961-1964, graduated from MCC, where he was the Associated Men's Student President. He had a variety of jobs throughout his life, but spent most of his career as a logger. He was known by his Jaggo Logging employees as "Walking Eagle" and had a deep love and appreciation for the woods/outdoors. His later years he spent working with H & R Block and enjoyed doing taxes and talking with people.
He was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and held several different positions in the church, including many years with the Scouting program. He enjoyed serving in the community, the majority spent as a volunteer with the Lakeside Fire Dept and on the board. In his younger years he volunteered with the Little League program and in his later years, he spent time as a CASA volunteer - Court Appointed Special Advocate - for abused and neglected children. He was named Man of the Year for Pinetop-Lakeside in the early 80s.
He met his beautiful wife at a dance in 1965 where he looked at her said, "you'll do". They were married just two months later and have been married for over 55 years. She loved the way he made her laugh and kept her laughing until the very end.
He is survived by his loving wife Vicki, and their seven kids: Jeff (Robin) of Show Low, Jason (Jolanda) of Show Low, Jarrett (Lisa) of Gilbert, Jill (Zane) Beach of Gilbert, Jay of Thatcher, Jolyn (Derrick) Cavey of Pinetop, Jonathan (Blanca) of Show Low, and 19 grandkids.
Services will be held on Saturday, June 12th, at 11am at the LDS Church in Lakeside.
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