Kirk Clealon Jacobson September 1, 1948 - September 9, 2026

Kirk Clealon Jacobson was born on Sept. 1, 1948, to Clealon and Vera Jensen Jacobson of Spring Lake, Utah. He was the third born of five children which included Don and sisters Connie (Openshaw), Shanna (Davis), and Lynda (Sorensen). He died at his home in Spring Lake on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at the age of 78.

Growing up in rural Utah instilled in Kirk with a love of the outdoors and the nearby mountains and lakes where he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping. He attended schools in Payson and graduated from Payson High School in 1967. Soon after, Kirk was drafted into the US Army and was deployed to Vietnam where he served his country in time of war. He was later honorably discharged with a distinguished veteran status.

A man of many skills, Kirk built his home in Spring Lake next door to the home where he grew up. He was a heavy equipment operator and worked on numerous construction jobs, helping to build the west. He later became a US Postal employee where he worked until retirement.

Kirk married Karen Buys after his military service. They had three sons, Kory, Koby, and Kristopher. Kirk and Karen later divorced. Sometime after, Kirk met the woman who offered renewed hope and lasting love in his life, Leslie Sorensen of Springville. They were soon married and enjoyed 42 years together. Kirk welcomed Leslie’s daughters Tracy and Tamara as his own. He was totally devoted to his family and orchestrated many outings and activities as a means of keeping his loved ones close.

Kirk loved his home in Spring Lake, but as an avid golfer, he and Leslie spent winter months in Mesquite, Nevada where golf is played year-round. Although Leslie didn’t golf much, she was always with Kirk on the course, keeping score and logging every shot. Things slowed down somewhat when Leslie was diagnosed with cancer, and despite her every attempt to fight if off, she died February 26, 2025. Now, nearly 19 months later, Kirk has joined his soulmate and golfing companion perhaps on a heavenly course where there are no roughs, no sand traps, and no water hazards, just infinite love, and above average scores.

Kirk is survived by his daughter Tracy Gail Ross (Lorin D. Ross); sons Kristopher R. Jacobson (SheraLee H. Jacobson), and Talin Lee Jacobson; sisters Shanna K. Davis (Larry W. Davis), and Lynda Sorensen. He is also survived by four grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews who adored him. Also surviving are Kirk’s cousins who shared in and contributed to his childhood memories.

Beyond family, Kirk touched the lives of countless others through his love, friendship, humor, and common sense. Kirk was preceded in death by his wife Leslie, daughter Tamara Kay Wasden, son Koby Jacobson, parents Clea and Vera Jacobson, sister Connie Openshaw, and brother Don Jacobson.

Funeral services will be held at the Spring Lake LDS Church, 12625 South Spring Lake Road, Payson, Utah, on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. with a viewing prior to the funeral at 9:45 a.m. Flowers may be delivered to the church. Military honors will be held at Payson City Cemetery, 400 North 800 East, Payson, Utah. A luncheon at that church will follow.