Harold Henry Reeb June 29, 1934 - July 12, 2026

Harold Henry Reeb, Jr., age 92, passed away peacefully on July 12, 2026.

Hal was born on June 29, 1934, in Mesa, Arizona, to Hannah Alverda Jennings and Harold Henry Reeb.

He lived most of his life in Mesa, Arizona. Hal’s early life was spent with his four younger half-brothers working and milking cows on the family dairy in Mesa and later the dairy and cattle ranch in the Winkleman, Arizona area. This was his foundation of hard work, tremendous hand strength and a proclivity to swear.

In his teenage years Hal moved back to Mesa and lived with his Grandmother Jennings so that he could attend Mesa High School. This gave him the opportunity to spend more time with his sister and his father, which included working at Harold’s Club bar and the adjoining grocery store with two gas pumps. Hal was a standout athlete, excelling in track, football and basketball. He helped lead his basketball and football teams to state championships.

He went on to serve a faithful two-and-a-half-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Melbourne, Australia. While there he had the unique experiences of playing on the travelling Mormon Yankees basketball team and coaching the University of Melbourne men’s basketball team. His companions and his teammates had strong lifelong friendships.

Hal met the love of his life, Janice Lee, at the University of Arizona while studying animal husbandry. They were later married and sealed for eternity in the Mesa Arizona Temple on September 5 th , 1964, after Hal graduated from the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama.

Hal and Janice started their life together with his aspiration of having a cattle ranch and their aspiration of having lots of kids. Hal’s law practice with his brother Fred facilitated the acquisition of their first cattle ranch on Cherry Creek in Young, Arizona. Later they acquired the Painted Cave Ranch in the Aravaipa Canyon adjacent to their parents PZ Ranch on the San Pedro River which they later acquired. Other business interests followed including a car dealership and building a mobile home park. Hal and Fred’s three younger brothers joined the business one by one, which for decades was known as Fred T. Ash & Sons. During this time, Hal and Janice were growing their family. Quickly with one son and then a drought for seven years. Just as they welcomed the monsoon deluges at the ranch, they welcomed the deluge of seven additional children in nine years – eight kids in all. To better support and provide more opportunities for their children, they moved the family back to Mesa. Hal worked as a municipal court judge for nearly 20 years, serving the City of Mesa for much of that time as the presiding magistrate. He was respected for his fairness, grace and respect for those in his court. Beyond the courtroom, Hal and his brothers consolidated their investments and developed one of the largest RV and golf resorts in the country.

Hal served in numerous church callings. He had great strength and considerable talent in serving and mentoring young men. He had a lasting impact on many lives through his leadership and example resulting in life-long friendships.

After retiring, Hal and Janice left Mesa and moved to Hobble Creek Canyon to be nearer to most of their children living in the area. For nearly 25 years they built and beautified their property and home. It is their bit of Eden with pastures, a running stream, gardens, an orchard and a trout pond. Hal continued to hunt and enjoy the outdoors as he had throughout his life including exotic hunting trips to Africa, Canada, Alaska and Russia. He did this well into his 80’s.

Hal is survived by his wife, Janice Lee Reeb, and their eight children: Mark Reeb (Candace), Anne Scott (Chandler), Dan Reeb (Beth), Paul Reeb, James Reeb (Jacque), Lara Frandsen (Steve), David Reeb (Paige), and Mary Truscott (Brandon). He was also blessed with 24 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren, all of whom he loved dearly. He is also survived by his brothers Edwin (Ed) Ash and Cecil Ash, and his sister Rennie Reeb. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Fred J. Ash and Anthony (Tony) Ash.

Although not one for social events or group interaction, Hal had a charming way of directly connecting with others. His wit and dry humor were memorable. These personal connections were often accompanied with an impactful bit of wisdom and feeling of acceptance by those fortunate to get to know him. These interactions could be especially impactful when he might simply share his feelings about Christ and the gospel.

Funeral services will be Friday, July 31, 2026, at 11 a.m. at the Hobble Creek 11 th Ward located at 2379 East 1100 South, Springville, Utah. Graveside services and interment will be at the Mapleton Cemetery 620 W. Maple St., Mapleton, Utah. Funeral services will also be live- streamed.

In lieu of flowers, Hal and Janice would wish for you to write a handwritten letter to express your appreciation and feelings to someone you love.