Orville McCLAIN

Orville Graves (O.G.) McCLAIN, of Houston, Texas, passed away at age 103 at his home in Houston, Texas on August 9, 2014. He was born March 20, 1911, in La Vernia, Texas, to Gus and Willie Graves McClain. An enduring memory was traveling to New Mexico in a covered wagon with his parents to homestead land at age 2, returning to La Vernia at age 7. After graduating from Brackenridge High School in San Antonio in 1928, he attended the University of Texas at Austin for two years and then the University of Oklahoma where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in geological engineering in 1933. After graduation, he received an appointment to become a "Flying Cadet" in the U. S. Army Air Corp. but was "washed out" thus ending his flying aspirations. It was back to the oilfield which was his education.
He married Annette Susan Bunn on Aug. 26, 1936, in Laredo, Texas. His career took them first to Houston. In 1938, a job transfer moved them to Corpus Christi, Texas, where they lived for the next 46 years. He worked for Southern Minerals Corp. from 1939 to 1946, and then as an independent Consulting Geologist until retiring in1980.
He was a member for many years of the First Presbyterian Church of Corpus Christi, where he served as a Deacon and Elder. He was also active throughout his career in many professional and civic organizations. These included serving as a district representative of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists from 1947-1949; a member of the Texas Water Resources Commission from 1953-1957; a charter member of the Corpus Christi Geological Society, of which he was president from 1949 to 1950; and on the board of trustees of the Lower Nueces River Water Supply District. He was a longtime member of the Rotary Club of Corpus Christi, and served as its president from 1959-1960. In 1962-63 he was elected District Governor 593 of Rotary International.
In the late 1960's, O.G. discovered aerobics and became a disciple of Dr. Kenneth Cooper, whom he credits for his longevity. He was a co-founder of the Corpus Christi Roadrunners and ran in local races into his 70s. He traded swimming and running for a stationary bicycle at age 92. His love of travel took him to destinations including Europe, China, Japan, Africa and New Zealand, often taking along his children and grandchildren. An avid amateur genealogist, he was a member of the Sons of the Republic of Texas.
O.G. and Annette moved back to Houston in 1984. After 73 years of marriage, Annette preceded him in death on September, 7, 2007. He was also preceded in death by an infant son, James Ripley McClain; a sister, Thelma McClain McWilliams; a brother, Gus Ripley McClain Jr.; and nephews Joe Clyde McWilliams, Larry McWilliams and Curry Hall.
He is survived by three daughters, Gail McClain Danford and Edwin, of Runge, Texas; Bonnie McClain Reeves and Tom, of Frisco, Texas; and Phyllis McClain of Houston; two granddaughters, Serenah McKay Coleman and Robert, of Rogers, Ark., and Susan McGinnis Goad and Lloyd, of Charlottesville, Va.; two grandsons, Mitchell Reeves and Marcia, of McKinney, Texas, and Henry Hilliard III and Emily, of Austin, Texas; and seven great-grandchildren, Ashley Reeves Jackson, Grace McGinnis, Anne McGinnis, Jane McGinnis, Lillian Hilliard, Henry Hilliard IV and Edwin Luke Hilliard; and nieces Minnie Dora Bunn Haynes, Betty Bunn Moreno and Betty Lou McWilliams Huertado; nephew Kenneth McWilliams.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to Neida Delagarza for her loving care of both O. G. and Annette. The family also thanks Brookdale Personalized Living for providing wonderful caregivers, and Silvarado Hospice for their kindness and support.
In lieu of flowers, donations in O.G.'s memory may be made to the Cooper Institute, 12330 Preston Road, Dallas, Texas, 75230; or a charity of the donor's choosing.
Visitation will be held 5-8PM, Wednesday, August 13, 2014 at Klein Funeral Home, 16131 Champion Forest Dr., Spring, TX 77379. A funeral service will be 11AM, Saturday, August 16, 2014 at Mission Burial Park South, 1700 S.E. Military Drive, San Antonio, Texas 78214.