Salem F. McLean

Salem Francis “Mac” McLean, 95, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Nov. 14, 2021 in Dallas, and is now living in God’s presence with his beloved wife of 68 years, Lula (Tiner) McLean (d.2015). A devoted husband, loving father of eight, admired grandfather of 26, and cherished great-grandfather of 40, he was a role model, faithful servant, true friend, and blessing to all who knew him.

Salem was born Nov. 3, 1926, in Austin, TX to Salem A. and Lucille (Kirschvink) McLean. He attended St. Mary’s parochial and Austin High School, and the University of Texas at Austin. In 1943, at age 17, he joined the Army Air Corps Reserve, was called to active duty on April 9, 1945, completed Basic Training at Sheppard Field, and was awaiting an assignment when the war ended in the Fall of 1945. He was honorably discharged, returned to UT and earned his BS in Civil Engineering in 1947.

He met the love of his life at a Veterans Dance on campus in 1946, married in 1947 and moved to Dallas, where he began a long and distinguished career as a Professional Engineer designing bridges, buildings, and telecommunication facilities throughout the US and world. He travelled worldwide designing microwave sites with Collins Radio/Rockwell Int’l, and later in the US for Ericsson. He retired in 1997.

Salem was a regular blood donor for over 45 years. He was a faithful Catholic, serving as a leader and volunteer in many roles at both St. Bernard and St. Thomas Aquinas parishes. He was founding President of St. Thomas Aquinas Pro-Life Group in 1993 and a Board Member on the Catholic Pro-Life Committee of North Texas. He was a weekly volunteer at the Ladies of Charity Thrift Store and volunteered at the White Rose Women’s Center four days a week.

Salem joined Dallas Council 799 of the Knights of Columbus in 1958 and served in many capacities: Grand Knight, Faithful Navigator of the Fr. Abram J. Ryan Assembly, Fourth Degree, Master of the Third Texas District of the Fourth Degree, and many others. He and Lu were also members of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem. He loved snow skiing, travel, good food and wine, a good martini, and a good laugh. He especially treasured family get-togethers and hosted them often.

Above all, Salem loved God, his family, and his community, and was always there to help those in need. Salem was predeceased by his wife, Lu, his son, Paul, and his three older siblings; Margaret, Edward, and Jeanne, and a niece, Colleen Cothrum. He is survived by seven children, Cathy McConn (James), Theresa Brown, Patty Cunningham (Ben), Tom (Joy), Mary Grimes (Gary), Mike (Diane), and Evy McLean (Randy), brother-in-law Tom Tiner, 26 grandkids, 40 great-grandkids, and 10 nieces and nephews.