John McClarey Obituary

John McClarey

Oct. 22, 1935 - Jan. 19, 2024

John McClarey, beloved husband, father, sculptor and so much more, died at Springfield Memorial Hospital after a tragic car accident on January 19, 2024. His wife Carole survived the crash and is recovering at Springfield Memorial Hospital.

John was born October 22, 1935 in Leoma, TN, the son of James and Ruth (Park) McClarey.

John was preceded in death by his parents; brother, James McClarey; and sister, Mary (Fairfield) McClarey.

He married Carole Ann Noland on December 18, 1955.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Carole; son, Stephen McClarey of Arthur; son, Phillip (Angel) McClarey of Madison, WI; daughter, Kathy (Mel) Howard of Newark, OH; daughter, Eileen (Nick) Lawless of Jacksonville; grandchildren: Ryan, Brittany, Jennifer, Philip, Tim, Breanna, Nurlan and Alina; and great-grandchild, Matthew.

John received a Bachelor's degree in Sociology from Millikin University in 1959, then later a Master's degree in U.S. History from Illinois State University.

He taught History and Sociology at Edinburg and Cerro Gordo public schools for most of his career along with stints at Lincoln Land and Richland Community Colleges.

After retiring from teaching, his art career flourished and this has been well documented in numerous other places.

John was an extraordinary individual with broad interests. In every endeavor he searched for deep meaning and relevance and he inspired all with his passion and vigor to make a difference and this continued to the very end of his life. Many knew John through his Abraham Lincoln sculptures and other works of art sprinkled throughout numerous communities in Illinois and throughout the world.

Art became a platform to disseminate a message he felt should be told again and again. He believed fervently that all men truly are created equal, and he believed in the "better Angels of our nature", a refrain (taken from A. Lincoln's first inaugural address) he often employed to illustrate that our "better angels" were the key to living in a moral universe of compassion and cooperation. He never tired of explaining Lincoln's legacy. This became his life's work.

Celebration of Life services will be announced at a later date since Carole will need a lengthy period of recovery from injuries sustained in the crash.

In lieu of gifts or flowers, donations may be sent in memory of John McClarey to: Illinois State Historical Society, 411 East Monroe, Springfield, IL 62705-1800 (217) 300-5437 or Central Christian Pre-School Scholarship Fund, 650 W. William Street, Decatur, Illinois 62522 (217) 428-4336.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family in care of Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Homes at www.brintlingerandearl.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Decatur Herald & Review on Jan. 31, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for John McClarey

8 Entries

Janell Courtwright

February 8, 2024

Mr. McClarey was a great teacher and many of his former students at Edinburg will miss him. Also our prayers are still going up for his wife, Carole and and the rest of his family. Also many of Edinburg residents knew their son Steve because of him teaching also at Edinburg.

Ron LIndvahl

February 8, 2024

Steve
I was so shocked to just now learn of your dad's accident and passing.
THere was not a a finer nor talented gentleman I ever knew. I'm so glad that we were an important part of his early life in Edinburg and all the wonderful visits we had in future years. I hope your mom can recover from all her injuries. SHe is also such a wonderful caring person. MY deepest sympathies. to you and our siblings. God's blessings to you all

Claudia Evans

February 1, 2024

John was a gift to our world! He was kind, brilliant, creative, and generous with all his talents. I´m thanking God for his life, and holding his dear family in my heart.

Dane and Sue Henry, and of course Shirley

February 1, 2024

A man of few words with much to say. With all of his many gifts; he, like Carole, was always first a teacher. I can´t imagine him not being in our world. I can feel my mother softly crying for her friends and the family.

Sandra & Roger Bosomworth

January 31, 2024

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. Roger and Sandra Bosomworth.

Rusty Isaiah Downs

January 31, 2024

May Flights of Angels Sing Thee to Thy Rest. Amen.

Janet Myers

January 31, 2024

My prayers and condolences are sent for the family and especially his wife Carole. May God´s healing hands be on her for comfort during this time.

David Noland

January 30, 2024

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.