Lee McClelland

MOUNT GILEAD - Lee Wayne McClelland, age 78, of Mount Gilead - known affectionately to his family and community as "Judge Mac" - passed away on Friday, October 31, 2025, at the James Cancer Center at The Ohio State University in Columbus.

Lee was born in Galion, Ohio, on May 7, 1947, the second of four children of the late Wayne Franklin McClelland and Ellen Marie (Hall) McClelland. He grew up on the family farm on State Route 42 in Mount Gilead, where he learned the values of hard work and perseverance. He graduated from Mount Gilead High School with the Class of 1965.

After earning his law degree from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Lee returned home to Mount Gilead and opened the McClelland Law Firm in 1976. He built his practice on a foundation of honesty, fairness, and integrity, serving his community with dedication and respect. In the late 1980s, Lee found his true calling as a Municipal Court Judge, a position he held for nearly 30 years. He was an active member of the Association of Municipal Court Judges of Ohio, generously sharing the knowledge and wisdom gained over his years on the bench. He was a committed mentor to many law clerks who served with him over the years. He approached each case with a principled sense of justice and deep respect for the law.

Lee was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who took great pride in his three sons and his grandchildren. From coaching his sons' Little League teams to his steadfast presence on the sidelines of his grandchildren's endeavors, he never missed a chance to support those he loved.

Deeply connected to his Scottish roots, Lee was a proud member of Clan MacLellan. A lifelong resident and true son of Mount Gilead, he was instrumental in helping bring soccer fields to town and was a faithful supporter of the Mount Gilead Indians. He was also an enthusiastic Ohio State Buckeyes fan, rarely missing a game.

In his spare time, Lee enjoyed restoring antique cars, especially his beloved 1948 Ford. He took great joy in restoring a Ford Mustang for each of his sons. He enjoyed traveling, appreciating a good meal in a unique environment--the older the building, the better.

Lee had a quiet wit, a dry sense of humor, and unwavering dedication to his community. He lived his life with integrity and left behind a legacy of service, humility, and respect- qualities that will continue to inspire all who knew him.

Lee is survived by his wife of 54 years, Karen Rizor McClelland; three sons: Shawn (Amy) McClelland of Madison, NJ, Dr. Brandon (Rebecca) McClelland of Mount Gilead, and Cory (Christine) McClelland of Mount Gilead; 8 grandchildren: John and Katherine McClelland, Hayden, Griffin, Avery and Harper McClelland, and Oliver and Cecelia McClelland; three siblings: Lynn (Bernard) Pleskoff of Cave Creek. AZ, Glenn (Kelly Spencer) McClelland of Mansfield, and Kelly (Mark) Lawrence of Mount Gilead; a brother-in-law, Gary (Judy) Rizor of Powell, and a nephew Spencer McCelland. He will be remembered fondly by his family, friends, colleagues, and those whose lives he impacted.

Honoring Lee's wishes, services will be observed privately by his family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to your favorite charity, or to the Mount Gilead Police Department or Mount Gilead Volunteer Fire Department Association, 72 W. High St., Mount Gilead, OH 43338. Snyder Funeral Homes of Mount Gilead are honored to serve Lee's family, and your favorite memories and condolences may be shared with them via www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.