Paul E. McClain

Paul Edward McClain, 82, of Knoxville, passed away on Saturday, March 16, 2024.
Paul was born Sept. 2, 1942 in Peoria, Illinois to Dale and Zell Davison-McClain. He was married to wife Sue McClain for 24 years.
Paul is preceded in death by his parents; 3 sisters Martha Rogers, Mary Aberle and Pauline Hall; 2 brothers Richard McClain and Dale H McClain; 1 son Joshua Paul.
Surviving loved ones include wife Sue McClain of Knoxville; sons Matthew Dale (Lin) and Daniel Edward (Holly) all of Austin Texas; daughters Marsha (Jeff) Wilson of Huntsville Alabama and Kathy (Jim) Watkins of Knoxville Illinois; sister Phyllis Bloom of Peoria Illinois. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Brad (Kelsey), Jackie (Jason), Cassy (Dez), Mandy (Phillip), Connor (Erika), Cailan and Owen. He had 5 great grandchildren. Several nieces and nephews survive as well.
Paul Edward McClain served his country as a radio intercept analyst in the United States Air Force from July 1960 to July 1967, honorably discharged as an Airman First Class after spending most of his enlistment with the 6910th Security Wing in Germany. Paul's decorations include the Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon, the Air Force Good Conduct Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.
After his time in the Air Force, Paul attended Illinois Central College and obtained an Associate's Degree in Marketing Management & General Education. He then went on to work for the Chicago Rock Island and Pacific Railroad from 1969-1981. From 1981-1983 he was employed with Pabst, and then with Frito Lay from 1983-1984. He served his community by working for the US Postal Service from 1984 until he retired in 2001.
Paul was an avid golfer, proud Republican, and the family gardener. He had a heart of gold and loved his children and grandchildren. He had a strong faith and attended First Christian Church in Knoxville.
Graveside Services will be held on Friday, March 22, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. at the Knoxville Cemetery, Knoxville, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Knoxville Food Pantry or the Knoxville Fire and Rescue Department. Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Homes and Crematory in charge of arrangements. On-line condolences and/or expressions of sympathy may be sent through www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhome.com