Richard McClain

Richard Benton McClain, 78, of San Jose, Il passed away on Thursday, January 16, 2025 at Carle Health Pekin Hospital.  Born August 16, 1946 in Peoria to Harold V. and Katherine (Armstrong) McClain, he married Julia “Judy” Dahlem on October 15, 1977 in Peoria. She survives.

Also surviving are one brother, Ron (Ann) McClain, one sister, Sue (Mike) Henry of Galesburg and many nieces and nephews.

His parents preceded him in death. 

Richard took classes at Western Illinois University, Illinois Central College and Old Dominion University. 

He worked at Honeywell in Littleton, Colorado. His division at Honeywell made circuit boards for gathering information used in planes, submarines, and helicopters for the defense of our country. He was so proud of the work he did there. 

After moving, Richard then worked at Progressive Impressions International until retiring in May 2017.

Richard was of the Methodist faith.

He enjoyed model cars, trains, oil painting, playing the clarinet, and writing poems. He once wrote a beautiful song which Julia loved to play on the piano. 

His funeral will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Pastor Steve Weber will officiate. Visitation will be one hour before the funeral. A graveside service, with Military Honors will be held at 1 PM on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at  Center Hill Cemetery in Hamilton, Mississippi with Bro. Dennis Smithey officiating.  

Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 116 North East Perry Avenue Peoria, Illinois 61603 or Center Hill Baptist Church, P.O. Box 59 Hamilton, Mississippi 39746.