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. Internment will be at the Reed Hatch Memorial Cemetery at 3 p.m. in Taylor, AZ.
Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
Karl and I were in the same ward in Gilbert for a number of years. He always brought a smile to my face and I loved my interactions with him. I always felt he really tried hard to be a disciple of Jesus Christ and share his love with all he met. I’m saddened by the news of his passing. He was always so positive and complementary. His kindness could be felt by so many. My heart goes out to your family for his loss. I’m sure the reunion on the other side of the veil was sweet. His missionary work and unconquerable spirit live on.
We are so sad to hear of your loss. We loved your sweet dad and have missed him these past years since he moved. What a dear friend he has always been. Please know of our love and that our prayers will be with your family.❤️
Karl was a true friend and will be missed.
Karl was an amazing man. We were fortunate enough to live in the same ward with him for many years. He was kind, thoughtful and always in service to others. Sending love to all the family. He will be missed!
Soon after we moved into the Mesa 28th Ward, Karl returned from his mission and spoke in Sacrament Meeting about his mission and spoke of his gratitude for his parents and that his mother wrote him faithfully every week while he was on his mission-the McCleve clan surely is a great clan and I am proud to have known them and I am sure that my late husband will visit with Karl. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Nancy D