Robert Blake McClain

Robert Blake McClain met his heavenly Father on Thursday, July 3, 2025 after a long and brave battle with Alzheimer's disease. He passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family and friends; he was 76 years old. He was currently a resident of Rolla, Missouri. Bob was born on May 18, 1949 in Charleston, West Virginia to parents Virginia "Ginny" McClain-Colter and John McClain, both of whom preceded him in death. He grew up in Nitro, West Virginia, Anniston, Alabama, and St. Louis, Missouri with his younger sisters Beth and Lynn. After graduating from Lindbergh High School in St. Louis, MO, he enrolled at Westminster College where he pursued a degree in sociology. He obtained his master's degree in social work from the University of Missouri graduating Magna Cum Laude.

Bob had a disciplined work ethic. During his career, he worked at the Missouri Department of Mental Health from 1973 until 2001. He helped implement and run numerous programs and counseling services for people afflicted with addiction. After "retiring" from the state, he went on to work as a clinical social worker for Preferred Family Healthcare, the Department of Veterans Affairs and Pathways Community Behavioral Health Care where he provided services to families and military veterans.

In 2000, he met Michele Justus, the love of his life. The two married in August of 2001. They eventually settled in Rolla, Missouri where they continued working and immersing themselves in their new community. This included serving God through ministry at Salem Avenue Baptist Church and Christian Fellowship. Bob was honored to be a Gideon, served as a CASA volunteer and spent many hours volunteering with his wife for the Alzheimer's Association. Bob spent his life doing what he loved: bible study, gardening, hiking, biking, camping, canoeing, listening to music, and spending time with his friends, family, pets, and especially with his grandchildren. He had a dedicated love of nature that he invested a lifetime preserving. He also taught others how to respect and devote themselves to God. Not only was he a gift to his community, but he was also a loving son, brother, father, husband, grandfather and friend. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.



Besides his parents, he is also preceded in death by his sister Lynn McClain Struckhoff and his brother-in-law Rick Remming. He is survived by his wife Michele Justus McClain of Rolla, Missouri; his sister Beth McClain Remming-Herrick (Jim) of Chesterfield, Missouri; his brother-in-law John Struckhoff of St. Louis, Missouri; his daughter Jennifer McClain of Lytle, Texas; his son Tony (Carrie) McClain of Leawood, Kansas; and his step-daughter Rachele (Marty) Hauck of Rolla, Missouri; several nieces and nephews; and many pets. He also had four grandchildren whom he adored: Jordan, Nicholas, Christopher, and Elianna. A Celebration of Life will be held September 13th, 2025, at Christian Fellowship in Rolla, MO. Donations can be sent to the National Alzheimer's Association.