Gary Dean McCleese, 76, of Cranston Road at Morehead, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at UK Good Samaritan Hospital in Lexington. He was surrounded by his loving family.
He was born in Lewis County on December 21, 1949, a son of the late Jess McCleese and Flora Sparks McCleese Henry.
Dean proudly served his country in the United States Army and was a member of Muses Mill Christian Holiness Church, where he loved to attend. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, dining out, and spending time with family.
Survivors include his loving wife of 53 years, Jackie Holbrook McCleese; one daughter, Candy Sue (Scott) Brinegar of Clay City; two sons, Clifton Dean McCleese of Vanceburg and Jeremy (Nina) McCleese of Morehead; two sisters, Martha Campbell of Cynthiana and Nancy Thornsberry of Chillicothe, Ohio; four brothers, Gale McCleese of Decatur, Alabama; David McCleese of Kissimmee, Florida, Vinson McCleese of Flatwoods, and Randy McCleese of Rowan County; seven grandchildren, Josh, Andrea, Kayla, Cody, Aron, Kalie, and Maggie; and five great-grandchildren, Ruby, Leigha, Bennett, Ryker, and Landon. Many other family members and friends will sadly miss him.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Carol Jefferson, and two brothers, Roger McCleese and Jack McCleese.
Services will be at noon Thursday, March 5, 2026, at Dickerson Funeral Home, 110 West Second Street in Vanceburg, with Bro. Doug Reeves officiating. Burial will follow in Thomas Cemetery on KY 377.
Friends may visit after 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 5, 2026, at Dickerson Funeral Home.
Military graveside rites will be accorded by Monte Lewis Stamm VFW Post 5438.
Condolences may be sent at www.globefamilyfc.com.
