Dennis Ray McClellan, 84, returned to his Father in Heaven on August 19, 2026, at home in Gilbert, Arizona, surrounded by his loving family.
Dennis was born on May 10, 1942—Mother’s Day—in Safford, Arizona, to Joseph Ether McClellan and Mary Matilda “Tillie” Mortensen McClellan. He grew up in nearby Thatcher as one of five children, alongside his sisters Josephine, Lola Lue, and Sylvia, and his brother Eddie, in a loving and secure home where faith, family, hard work, and service were woven into everyday life.
02
The Mission
A life of devoted service
He faithfully served as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Argentina, Buenos Aires Mission. His mission became a defining experience in his life as he shared his love of Jesus Christ and the restored gospel with many people. The influence of his service continued long after he returned home, as many he taught embraced the gospel of Jesus Christ, with generations of their families continuing faithfully in the gospel. His love for the people of Argentina and his commitment to missionary work remained with him throughout his life.
Following his mission, he met the love of his life, Louise Meadows. They were married in the Mesa Arizona Temple and built a life centered on their love for one another, their family, and their faith in Jesus Christ. Throughout nearly 62 years of marriage, Louise remained, in Dennis’s words, his “best friend and rock.”
They were blessed with two children, Dennise Louise McClellan and Randall Corwin McClellan, and later welcomed their beloved spouses, Kevin Farnsworth and Jennifer Nelson McClellan, into their family. Dennis treasured his growing family of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and found some of his greatest joy in them. His deepest desire was that his family remain close to one another and faithful to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
03
The Flight
Precision, leadership, and purpose
“Just love them.”
At age 22, Dennis became the youngest recruit the Tempe Police Department had ever hired before embarking on a distinguished career in aviation and aerospace. His technical abilities, leadership, and dedication led to increasing responsibilities, and he ultimately served as Director of Customer Support for Honeywell’s Commercial Propulsion Group. His work took him throughout the United States and around the world, where he earned the respect of colleagues and customers alike.
“Just love them.”
His faith in Jesus Christ was reflected in his lifetime of service in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Among his many callings, he served as a bishopric counselor, Scoutmaster, High Councilor, and counselor in the Gilbert Arizona Val Vista Stake Presidency, while also devoting significant service to temple and family history work. Beyond his formal callings, he had a remarkable gift for reaching people personally, especially those who were discouraged or struggling. He offered encouragement, strength, and direction, helping many to move forward and return to paths of faith and righteousness. His counsel was often simple: “Just love them.” He had a particular love for serving youth and devoted many years to Scouting, where his leadership and service were recognized with the Boy Scouts of America Silver Beaver Award.
04
The Harmony
A life filled with music
Music was another cherished part of his life. He had a beautiful singing voice and loved singing in choirs and participating in musical performances. He also carried on a unique family tradition of playing the musical carpenter’s saw, a talent passed from his grandfather to his father and then to him. He delighted in sharing his love of music with others.
05
The Eternal Horizon
Together forever
Above all, his life was anchored in his faith in Jesus Christ and his love for his family. He had a deep and abiding testimony of the Savior, His Atonement, and the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. He believed deeply in eternal families and desired, above all, those he loved to remain close to one another and faithful to the Lord, looking forward with faith to the joy of being together forever.
Dennis is survived by his beloved wife, Louise Meadows McClellan; his daughter, Dennise Louise McClellan Farnsworth and her husband, Kevin Farnsworth; his son, Randall Corwin McClellan and his wife, Jennifer Nelson McClellan; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and his baby sister, Sylvia McClellan Mullenaux.
With Gratitude
We are deeply grateful to all who surrounded Dennis and our family with such loving care, kindness, support, and prayers. Your love and generosity have strengthened and sustained us and have meant more to our family than words can express.
An Invitation
Learn of the hope that sustained him.
Dennis is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He found peace in the knowledge that life continues beyond the grave and that families can be together forever. We invite you to learn more about the Plan of Happiness.
