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Howard McClain Obituary
howard mcclain
Wednesday, May 13, 2020, at age 96, HOWARD MCCLAIN, JR. passed away of natural causes at home in Silver Spring, MD. Howard was born in Birmingham, AL, June 2, 1923. During WWII Howard joined the Navy serving in the Pacific Theater. After the War, Howard utilized the GI Bill and attended Xavier University where he met his first wife, Irene. He went on to receive his Masters of Pharmacology at the University of Wisconsin. Howard and his family then moved to Florida where he was Acting Dean of the School of Pharmacology at Florida A&M University Wanting to continue his studies, Howard moved to Minneapolis to pursue his PhD from University of Minnesota where he met his second wife, Priscilla. They joined the Peace Corps in 1962 making life-long friends and serving as teachers in Yenagoa, Nigeria. After traveling Europe, they made their home in Washington, DC. Howard worked for the Federal Government beginning his distinguished career with The Department of Agriculture and retiring from DEA. Howard always made those around him smile. At heart he loved learning, he was always a student and a teacher. He was a devoted father and loved golfing, cycling and many outdoor activities. He was preceeded in death by his son Eric. He lives on through his three daughters, Angela, Anne and Laura, five grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and extended family. A Celebration of Life will be held when it is safe for family and friends to gather.
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Memories and Condolences
for Howard McClain
6 Entries
Ann Carter
May 27, 2024
I´ll always be grateful for having had the blessing to know and work with Howard. His vast knowledge, wit and wisdom will never be forgotten.
Beth F.
June 22, 2020
Dr. Howard McClain is/was truly a one-of-a-kind, amazing, truly authentic, brilliant, inspirational, modest, exceptional, supportive, educator & non-judgemental precious, kind, caring soul that has always been willing to impart & share valuable, critically essential knowledge, information with everyone including me, an absolute novice (newbie) to this well-versed, advanced scientific community at DEA HQS., Howard (Dr. McClain) is/was a truly rare, precious, humble legendary figure who really exemplifies & personifies the very best, finest virtues & characteristics that we all aspire to have.
Howard, from my perspective has always been such a rare, precious, universally well-respected, well-regarded, well-liked, admirable, complex gem on every possible level that should be considered an excellent, multi-faceted human being I consider to be a true icon that I have been very blessed- truly fortunate to cross paths with in my life.
Howard's inherently kind, fine, generous, glowing spirit & memory will always bring a smile to my day(s). He has truly made a significant positive difference by leaving such an indelible impression on so many lives in so many ways.
Thanks. God bless. Stay safe & well,
Beth Fox
Dacia
June 5, 2020
Mr. McLain was a wonderful manager and always never missed an opportunity to teach me something during my years working as his assistant at DEA. I often think about him and his daughter Ann who I used to have wonderful conversations with when she would call for her dad. I was always amazed of how he was so in shape and never missed his routine walks at lunch time. May peace be with the family and close friends. Im sure he will be greatly missed! Blessings ~DeeDee (Carter)
June 3, 2020
My sincere condolences. Howard was my boss in the Drug and Chemical section in the OD at DEA. He was an amazing mentor who had endless knowledge and treated everyone with genuine love and kindness. I miss that sassy sense of humor and the twinkle he had in his eye. May his memory be eternal.
Beth Cromer Spanos
John P Mudri
June 3, 2020
He was a great guy, always ready to help you learn something or teach you something. I always learned a great deal from him, both personal and job-related
Ann Carter
June 2, 2020
I had the privilege of working with Howard over the years at DEA HQ. I learned so much from him and always enjoyed our talkswhich ranged from his travels in the South of France to his explaining things like deuterated opium to a non-scientist like me. Howard was a wonderful man who I respected so much. My heartfelt condolences go to his family.
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