Richard Duane McClain

Richard Duane McClain, known affectionately by some as Dick and by others as Daddy or Papa, was and is a deeply beloved husband, father, and grandpa, on February 28, 2024 he passed on surrounded by his family.

Born December 10, 1946 Richard spent the next 77 years causing trouble. As a young boy he was sent away to military boarding school after his parents discovered he was a bit of a flirt. At that school he did surprisingly well eventually graduating and spending a few years at college before deciding he had better things to do. In 1967 Richard became a member of the Army and headed off to Vietnam where he would receive honors after discovering a mechanical issue in their aircraft, this earned him a fancy column in a good few newspapers which his family still shows off today. Eventually, Richard made it home safe and sound where he had countless more adventures. He loved planes, aliens, and chocolate, and he never passed on a Nutty Buddy Bar or a banana milkshake. He was a collector of knives and coins, building up a very impressive collection with the help of his family. He loved to talk about visiting Oregon where he saw the Spruce Goose, a giant wooden plane, and in fact, the joy in his eyes shone brighter than ever when he had an excuse to talk about flying. He insisted his loved ones learn to fly and to scuba, and he always supported a solid adventure. If you asked him what his favorite song was he would tell you it was Moonlight Swim by Elvis Presley, and if you asked him if he loved you he'd tell you "yep!" and then pinch his fingers close together to show you exactly how much with a goofy smile on his face. He was never too serious and he loved a good joke. You could always spot him in a crowd by his US Army veteran hat, one of his collections of best grandpa shirts, or his signature moccasin style shoes. We like to imagine that today he's somewhere with just as many planes as he'd like and where he's finally learned the truth about the alien's existence. Richard was stubborn and loving, and he was everything we needed him to be and then some. He will be missed beyond belief by those he left behind.

Richard is survived by his wife, Darlene McClain, Brother, Robert McClain, Sister Kay Kennedy, Children, Angela Von Heuvel, Beverly Gilbreath, Jasen McClain, Stepchildren, Kenneth Von Heuvel, Kathy Payton, Georgia Caronna, Margaret Von Heuvel, Jessica Hammack, Grandchildren, Alexandra Von Heuvel, Wyatt Hammack, Shelby Malcolm, Michaela Hammack, Matthew Hancock, Justin Hancock, Nicole Almond, Erich Von Heuvel, Karl Von Heuvel, Stephen Schendel, Michael Orman, Dillon Parrack,Christopher Orman, Lawrence Gilbreath, Lauren Balderas, Conner McClain, Tyler McClain and respective spouses as well as a few great grandbabies. He is preceded in death by his mother and father, Edith and Raymond McClain, and his sister, Ruth Walker.