Daniel Kenneth "Ken" McClain

Daniel "Ken" McClain, 90, of Winchester, VA crossed over to his Heavenly Home surrounded by his family members on Sunday, February 16, 2025 at Winchester Medical Center.
Mr. McClain was born on April 10, 1934 in Kistler, PA to Raymond G. McClain and Cora Gillam McClain. After his mother died when he was 3-years old he was raised during his childhood by his Aunt Freda (Drake) and his grandmother Fannie Byers-McClain. As a teenager, he moved to New Jersey to live with his father, Raymond, and his step-mother, Mickey. Ken graduated from Barringer High School in Newark, NJ in June 1952. After graduation, Ken joined the Air National Guard before enlisting in 1957 serving for 6-years in the U.S. Air Force. During a deployment to Keesler Air Force Base, he met the love of his life, Mary Martha Stroo, and they married in 1955 in Hattiesburg, MS.
After receiving an honorable discharge from the Air Force in 1964, Ken began a career with the Federal government at Mt. Weather and worked during the "Cold War" period. Eventually, his work was brought under FEMA where he continued to work until his retirement in 1995. Ken's work took him to many Federal disaster sites throughout the continental United States, the Caribbean, and Hawaii setting up telecommunication systems. After retirement from FEMA, Ken worked a part-time job at Cobehn for 20-years until his final retirement at age 85.
Surviving with his wife Mary of 69 years are a son, Kenneth McClain (Cindy) of Winchester, a daughter, Kathy Henry (John) of Frederick Co., VA, a son Mark McClain (Cheryl) of Martinsburg, WV., four grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and daughter-in-law, Shelley McClain of Stephens City, VA. Ken was predeceased by his parents, a son, Gregory McClain, a grandson, Mark Nicholas McClain and his brother, Jerry McClain.
Ken served proudly as a member of the Masonic Hiram Lodge 21 A.F. & A.M., Winchester, VA for nearly 50-years where he earned the honor of Worshipful Master. In addition, he served as the lodge secretary for nearly 20-years, as well as becoming a life-time member.
Ken and Mary enjoyed camping and spent many summers with their children and grandchildren camping at Cowan's Gap State Park, PA. They also enjoyed many years of the traveling square dancing group known as the Blue Ridge Twirlers.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel on Thursday, February 20, 2025. During that time a Masonic Memorial Service will be conducted in Ken's honor. On Friday, February 21, 2025, a funeral service will be held in the mausoleum at Shenandoah Memorial Park on Front Royal Pike (Rt 522 South) at 1:00 pm with the Rev. Martha Miller Sims officiating.
Ken dearly loved their many dogs and cats over the years especially their beloved dog, Brodee. Memorial contributions can be made to Frederick County Ester Boyd Shelter, 161 Fort Collier Road, Winchester, VA 22603, or Shriners Children's Hospital (on-line donations: lovetotherescue.org/give hope).