Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Eugene McClain Obituary
Eugene E. "Gene" McClain
Passed away August 18 at the age of 87 with his loving wife of 67 years by his side. He was born July 6, 1926 in Indianapolis to Virgil E. and Alta R. (nee Henninger) McClain.
He graduated from IPS #85, Arsenal Technical High School in June 1944 and Indiana University Bloomington with a B.S. Business Degree in June 1949.
He served his country in WWII with the 45th Infantry Division in the E.T.O. earning the Purple Heart. He returned to the U.S. and finished his tour of duty with the 2nd infantry division, Ft Lewis, Washington and was discharged with the rank of Sergeant.
Gene met the love of his life, Rachel E. Lee in their freshman year at Tech High School. They were married on September 30, 1945 upon his return from the E.T.O. They celebrated their 67th anniversary on September 30, 2012. They have four children - Patricia Lee McClain Allen, Norman E. McClain, Andrew A. McClain, and John D. McClain (Linda). They have 9 grandchildren, Jenny Yeats, David McClain, Becky Galka, Meleah Gashti, Katie Allen, Leslie McClain, Michael McClain, Brian McClain and Amber McClain, as well as many loving great-grandchildren and great great-grandchild.
Gene's parents, sister Alice C. McClain, and brother Donald C. McClain preceded him in death.
After graduating from I.U. he was employed in various management positions with the Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company in Indiana, Illinois and Ohio. He was the Administrative Manager of Hoosier Food Brokerage Company.
He became a State Licensed Real Estate Broker in 1962. He was the Executive V.P. of McClain-Matthews Realtors. He was appointed to the Indiana Real Estate Commission by Gov. Whitcomb. He was a State Certified Real Estate Instructor for the Real Estate Certification Program teaching required pre-licensing courses for real estate sales and brokers licenses. Gene received Mibor's Distinguished Service Award in 1997. The National Association of Realtors bestowed the Realtor Emeritus Designation to Gene in 2008.
Gene was an active member of Wallace Street Evangelical Church for over 60 years. He served in many capacities - Church Treasurer, President of the Board of Trustees, and an Ordained Elder for over 60 years.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, August 23 at Flanner and Buchanan - Washington Park East , 10722 E Washington St, Indianapolis. Funeral Services will be conducted by Gene's minister and good friend for over 40 years, the Rev. Doug Barnes at 10 a.m. with visitation from 9 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday, August 24 at Flanner and Buchanan with entombment following at Washington Park East Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's' Association.
To leave a condolence visit http://www.flannerbuchanan.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Eugene McClain
Martha Graves
September 1, 2013
Norm,
I'm sorry to hear about your dad & wish I could have made it to the service to see you. He & my dad are probably talking real estate right now.
August 29, 2013
Rachel, Patty, Norm, Andy and John l can't begin to tell you all the memories l have shared with your dad. l loved him with all my heart and you can imagine our personalities together. We had so much fun together, all the times l came to clean. The past year l was with your mom and dad every week. What a precious time it was and what an honor to serve such generous and godly people. What great fellowship! We prayed,laughed and had many sweet conversations. We even sang together and l will deeply miss him. So thankful to God he was part of my life! Love you all! Lynn
Denise Page
August 26, 2013
Norman, so sorry to hear about your dad. I have been out of town, so unable to attend the calling. I always thought your dad was so fun. Please give my condolences to your mom and family.
Elizabeth shotwell
August 24, 2013
There are no words I can say for lost of your love one, however Thx to God U not alone and he given not only love one but u too my prayers will be with u always luv Liz.
August 24, 2013
Norm so sorry to here about the loss of your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you and loved ones. Lisa Cox
Diane Crenshaw-Merkle
August 24, 2013
So sorry for your loss, Norm. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Rick Dawson
August 23, 2013
Mr. McClain was always one of the good guys! My condolences to all the family.
Beth Coughlen Miller
August 23, 2013
Norm, My prayers are with you and your family. I remember your mom & dad from St. Joe down the street from my grandparents.
Jim Kolotka
August 23, 2013
My Prayers are with your family .
Nancy Brinklow
August 22, 2013
May God grant you comfort. The McClains were an important part of my growing up at Wallace Street. I know that he is safe in the arms of our loving heavenly Father.
Dina Lee Lamson
August 21, 2013
I loved seeing his trains, Such a great Uncle. Sending all my love.
Les McClain
August 21, 2013
I express my sincere condolences to my Aunt Rachel and the entire family. I also want to make a public yet personal tribute to my Uncle Gene and to his life well-lived--a life of genuine generosity, compassion, and principle. To keep this fairly short, I'll describe just 2 particular situations that help me define my uncle; 1. When I was in high school, I enjoyed several sports, and I worked out to improve my athletic ability. One day I was helping Uncle Gene move some furniture, and we had to hoist a fairly large cedar chest up onto a 6 foot high platform in his garage. By sheer luck, I was able to grab the chest with a perfect balance and over-head press it up onto the platform. Uncle Gene went on and on, bragging about my doing so and making me feel like the strongest man. He knew that being strong and athletic was important to me. 2. As far back as I can remember, Uncle Gene rarely called me by my name. He would always address me as "Nephew" (with a capital N). Every other relative called me by name, but Uncle Gene was emphasizing that I had a special relationship with him ---I was his Nephew. And he made me feel as though Nephew was an important office to hold.
Just as my Uncle Gene celebrated and treasured those with whom he lived, we now celebrate and treasure our memories of his most meaningful life.
mark bock
August 21, 2013
Norm and family members, so sorry to hear of the loss. Enjoyed reading about Gene and learning about his life. All our best.
August 21, 2013
Norm, I was lucky enough to work for your Dad & Bob as Bob's secretary before I got my license. They treated me more like family than an employee. I can not say enough good about your Dad. He was such a good man and so funny. Never a dull moment in that office. Jan Rader Brooks.
Chuck Church
August 21, 2013
My condolences to the family. I learned a lot from Gene.
Ann Brown Blodgett
August 21, 2013
Gene McClain was such a fine gentleman! My folks thought very highly of Gene and Rachel and were very pleased when he helped me get my Real Estate License. It was a privilege to work for McClain-Matthews!
Malcolm, Kathy Howell
August 21, 2013
Rachel -
So sorry to hear of Gene's passing. You are in our prayers!
Richard Nye
August 21, 2013
Norm-
You, your mom and the entire family are in my prayers. Your dad was a REALTOR's REALTOR and I was blessed to have known him and worked with him. He was also a character!
August 21, 2013
Norm: I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your father. Please know you are in our prayers. I love you my good friend!! Joyce & Bill Cook
Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results
Make a Donation
in Eugene McClain's name
Memorial Events
for Eugene McClain
Funeral services provided by:
Flanner Buchanan - Washington Park East10722 E Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46229
How to support Eugene's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Eugene McClain's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
Sponsored