Carl Carlton McLain, Jr.

It is with great sadness we announce the peaceful passing of Carl Carlton McLain, Jr. on Friday, November 14, 2025 at the age of 83. Carl was born in Kingsport, Tennessee to Carl Sr. and Helen (née Coleman) McLain.

A few short years after Carl’s birth in Tennessee, his parents made the decision to move their family to Portsmouth, Virginia. Carl set roots in Tidewater, and this move would begin an almost lifelong journey in Virginia where he would attend Churchland High School, serve in the Navy, start a family, build lifelong friendships, and establish a career as an architect. 

While growing up in Portsmouth, Carl had a variety of interests and pursuits. One of his earliest hobbies was clay court tennis with friends at nearby City Park. Also in his younger years, Carl was an avid road biker, fisherman, and an accomplished musician. He mastered both the trumpet and coronet and enjoyed playing in local jazz bands.

After high school, Carl spent one year at Old Dominion University, then began his career in architecture as a draftsman. This was shortly followed by enlisting in the Naval Reserve to become a detection systems operator on the S-2 Tracker serving with VS-863. It was during this time he met the love of his life, Hildred. Carl and Hildred were married in 1967, which began their 57 year journey of unwavering love and companionship.

In his early years of marriage, Carl’s faith blossomed at Simonsdale Presbyterian Church. He and Hildred were both Sunday school teachers and Carl served as a deacon at the church. Along with his faith, he was also pursuing various hobbies. Carl became a skilled photographer and enjoyed autocross racing in his Austin Healy. Later, Carl also developed a passion for building and flying RC aircraft.

Carl’s hobbies and his career in architecture would soon be willingly upended when his son Michael was born in January of 1976. After several years of working on premier projects in the civilian sector, like renovations at the Smithsonian Museum, it was time for Carl to make a change. He chose to take a civil service job as an architect at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard so he could spend more time with his family. Carl used his new found free time to coach Michael’s Little League baseball teams, serve a term as Exalted Ruler at the Portsmouth chapter of the Elks Lodge, and pursue amateur radio.

In addition to his career and hobbies, Carl was also a technical guru. He enjoyed researching home repairs and could take on issues with anything from car maintenance, electrical work, home audio, or even tile work. Carl also constructed a landscape oasis in his backyard in Virginia where he would sit on his deck and enjoy watching the wildlife.

Carl loved animals, especially dogs. Before Michael was born, he and Hildred raised two long-haired dachshunds, Frieda and Red, that he absolutely adored. In fact, Carl seemed to be able to befriend any dog, even when he didn’t have a treat handy! Carl also enjoyed spending many evenings with his neighbors of many years in Hunters Point, laughing and eating popcorn. He also coveted the many weekends spent at the beach or at dinner parties with of a group of friends coined the “Beach Crew.”

A few years after Carl’s retirement, Carl and Hildred made the difficult decision to leave friends and family in Portsmouth and move to Wichita, Kansas in 2014. This move was to be near their son, daughter-in-law, and cherished grandchildren. It was here where Carl enjoyed watching his grandkids’ sporting events, cooking, and socializing with his new found friends. Throughout their time in Wichita, Carl and Hildred’s bond grew even stronger. Selflessly, he was the caregiver of Hildred for the last years of her life until her passing last November.

Most of all, Carl enjoyed annual family vacations to the Outer Banks. His favorite part of those vacations was spending time on the beach listening to the surf and his favorite jazz music. Fortunately, Carl was able to spend one last summer vacation with Michael in Nags Head this past August.

Throughout his life, Carl was always kind, caring and compassionate. He was also a dedicated father to his son and always set great examples of knowledge, reasoning, and integrity. Carl’s memory and his caring smile will will always be with us. He is now in a better place, together with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 

Memorial service celebrating his life will be at 1:30pm, Thursday, November 20, 2025 at the Cozine Life Events Center followed by a graveside service in Kensington Gardens. Carl is preceded in death by his parents, Carl McLain, Sr. and Helen Dorn and his wife of 57 years, Hildred McLain. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Mike and Alicia McLain; sister, Joyce Kite; and grandchildren, Sydney and Zach McLain. Services by Cozine Memorial Group - Cozine Life Events Center

Memorials to:
Kansas Food Bank
1919 E. DouglasWichita, KS 67211
kansasfoodbank.org