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Joseph McClain
JOSEPH LEROY MCCLAIN
Mount Vernon
Joseph Leroy McClain, 78, of Mount Vernon, died peacefully at home on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017. Memorial service: 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Mount Vernon. Visitation: 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27, at the funeral home.
He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Barbara; child, Wendy Jo McClain; and grandchild, Noelle Aleksandra McClain, both of Mount Vernon; sister, Rosalie Schmidt of Upper Sandusky, Ohio; sister-in-law, Lillian McClain; and many nephews and nieces. They have all made him proud.
Joe was born Dec. 5, 1938, on a farm near Upper Sandusky, Ohio, to Roy and Ruth (Grundistch) McClain. He graduated from the Upper Sandusky school system and attended Ohio State University in Columbus and was an avid fan of the Buckeyes to the end.
He was called to serve in the U.S. Army Second Special Forces (Green Beret) from 1962 to 1968. In March 1963, he married Barbara Elizabeth Fay in Cleveland, Ohio.
Joe's extensive work history included time as assistant manager at Kroger Grocery, Crestline, Ohio; food service manager at Oberlin College in Oberlin, Ohio; food service director at Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio; Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill., St. Ambrose College in Davenport and Cornell College in Mount Vernon. In addition, he was owner of Joe's International Airport of Mount Vernon from 1976 to 2002. Joe also was proud of the favorable influence and training he provided for many college students throughout his career.
He volunteered as a Mount Vernon firefighter for 10 years. Joe also served on the board of directors for Hillcrest Golf and Country Club and Chapel View Manor. He enjoyed his time playing poker, on the golf course, and especially in his huge garden.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Edwin, Richard and Frank McClain; and sister, Marilyn McClain.
Memorials may be directed to the Joe McClain Memorial Fund at Cornell College or a charity of your choice.
Please share your support and memories with Joe's family on his tribute wall at www.stewartbaxter.com under obituaries.
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