Clyde and Karen Eastwood

Karen Charlene Johnson Eastwood, born May 30, 1938, in Arizona to William Percy and Ethlyn Haws Johnson passed away peacefully on September 2, 2015, at the age of 87. Her beloved husband

Clyde Allen Eastwood, born August 20, 1935, in Washington state to Chester Allen and Fern Inez Long Eastwood, passed away the next day on September 3, 2025, at the age of 90.

Clyde and Karen were united in marriage in the Mesa Arizona Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on June 16, 1959, and together built a life centered on faith, family, and devotion to one another.

They are survived by their children: Charlene (and Ross) Nelson of Casselton, ND; Kanah Teagyn of Sandy, UT; Carelene (and Larry) Walloch of Draper, UT; Cynthihah (and David) Wallace of Cle Elum, WA; Chelom (and David) Leavitt of Orem, UT; Celeste (and James) Albright of Payson, UT; Camiah (and Roger) Mingnorance of Alpharetta, GA; Christopher Allen (and Melissa) Eastwood, of Longview, WA and Mary Grace Medicinetop of the Northern Cheyenne tribe in Montana who they raised for many years and adopted, if not by law, then by the heart. They were preceded in death by two children, Ceria (3 months old) and Cornelius (stillborn). Clyde and Karen were both the last surviving members of their immediate families.

Karen grew up in Arizona as the youngest of 13 children. She cherished her siblings, particularly her sisters Leah and Joyce, who played a special role in her life. Living in Mesa just a few blocks from the temple, she often recalled the comfort she felt seeing it from her street. She was baptized in that temple before baptismal fonts were built in local church buildings, and years later was sealed there to Clyde for time and eternity. She was an artist and a musician. She played the organ at church for many different wards, branches, and stakes. She organized choirs, taught music to children, put together community music events and supported and encouraged each of her children to learn to love music. Her artistic abilities were most often displayed as she worked on crafts, sewed clothing for her family, inventively decorated for special events and created beauty in her home. She made sure that each of her children received many opportunities to learn music and art and supported their interests. Home and family was her priority and her joy.

Clyde grew up in Washington state in and around Yakima. He enjoyed country life, raising and training a horse and a dog and caring for other animals. He worked with his father for 40 years as a water well driller building a reputation as a skilled and honorable, hard worker. He and Karen taught their children the value of hard work. He was a man full of hope and would often find people and projects to invest his time and money into. He loved innovation and was one of the first to try out a new fangled computer or time saving device. He was a valued leader of the Republican party and received recognition for his work from two different US Presidents. He served in many leadership and supportive roles in the church but his most valuable role was that of father. He treasured his relationship with his eight daughters and one son and is now developing one with the children he could not raise. Clyde and Karen also had a hand in helping to raise their grandchildren; Justin and Darwyn Fishinghawk, the children of Mary Grace and he loved them dearly. He supported his wife in many of her projects and interests. He took his family on several trips as he felt that not only was it an important part of their education, but it was fun, and helped to build family relationships. He provided as many opportunities as he could for his family to connect with extended family all across the West.

Together, Clyde and Karen raised their children with a love of learning, faith, and family. Their home was filled with devotion, resilience, and a commitment to one another through life’s joys and sorrows. They were married for 66 years! Their love and devotion for each other was apparent. They rarely spent a night apart. Toward the end when Karen was in a rehab center out of necessity and Clyde was at the Assisted Living Center, being together was their main focus. They visited as often as possible when Clyde was able to be brought to her but it was heartbreaking to part. Karen left this world first and she helped Clyde in his transition the following day. Immense joy is felt by them and by many, many family members who have waited for them. Their legacy continues through their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who carry forward the values and faith they instilled. They have 43 grandchildren and many great grandchildren. They both had a great desire to leave something of value to their posterity. The best legacy they left was one of service and love. Each one of their children serve others in whatever capacity they can and love their parents deeply. They will be missed by so many but the cherished memories and lessons they left will continue to guide us all.

Services will be held on Sept 25, 2025, at 11:00 am at the Hillcrest 8th ward building of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1035 South 800 East. Orem, UT 84097-7228. Interment will follow at the Springville City Cemetery next to one of their sweet grandchildren.

The family expresses gratitude for the many friends and loved ones who have shared their love and support through the years. We have enjoyed hearing the many stories that you all have to share about our parents. Wheeler Mortuary, Springville, UT has facilitated all funeral arrangements.

Condolences for the family may be expressed on this page.