Mearl C. McCleaf
Did you know Mearl? Please share your stories and photos, and help spread the word about this page!
Mearl C. McCleaf , 84 Apr 2, 1937 - Oct 23, 2021 Mr. Mearl C. McCleaf, 84, of Jacob's Church Road, Blue Ridge Summit, PA, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, October 23, 2021. Born April 2, 1937 in Blue Ridge Summit, he was the son of the late Bruce and Dorothy (Frazer) McCleaf. Mr. McCleaf was a graduate of Smithsburg High School with the Class of 1955 and later served with the Maryland National Guard from 1960-1966. He began his working career in 1951 at the young age of 14 as an employee of Summit Plaza Drugstore where he worked until February 1969. Later that same year, he purchased Ben's Esso in Thurmont, MD which he expanded in 1979 to become the current Mountain Gate Family Restaurant.
Mr. McCleaf attended services at Thurmont United Methodist Church. He was a member of the Church of Transfiguration of Blue Ridge Summit, having served on the Vestry for many years. Mr. McCleaf also served on the Board of Directors for Thurmont Bank, Cascade, MD Branch for many years. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mrs. Dolores M. (Swope) McCleaf, whom he married February 22, 1959; three sons, Craig C. McCleaf of Blue Ridge Summit, Keith A. McCleaf and his wife, Teresa of Waynesboro and Dean S. McCleaf and his wife, Denise of Blue Ridge Summit; five grandchildren, Alysha H. McCleaf, Jacob S. McCleaf, Joshua C. McCleaf, Caleb C. McCleaf and Kelton P. McCleaf; two sisters, Lola L. Hand of Glen Burnie, MD and Evalyn M. Henry and her husband, Carl of Hagerstown, MD; and a number of nieces and nephews. Mearl was a hard working businessman known for his continuous generosity, compassion for others and faithfulness to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He could be found daily at Mountain Gate Family Restaurant greeting friends and customers. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who enjoyed the special times he spent with his grandchildren. Services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Monday, November 1, 2021 at Thurmont United Methodist Church, 13880 Long Road, Thurmont with Pastors Jeff Shaw and Ken Fizer officiating. Burial will follow in Bethel Church Cemetery, Cascade. The family will receive friends from 4 to 7 P.M., Sunday, October 31, 2021 in Grove-Bowersox Funeral Home, 50 South Broad St., Waynesboro and one hour prior the service, Monday, in the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Thurmont United Methodist Church, 13880 Long Road, Thurmont MD 21788 or Mountain View Ministries, 103 Apples Church Road, Thurmont, MD 21788. Online condolences may be expressed at www.bowersoxfuneralhomes.com