Thomas Edward McClain

Thomas “Tom” McClain passed away unexpectedly in Sacramento on January 9th, 2026 at the age of 86 with his family by his side. Tom is survived by his wife, Carmen; children, Steven and Leslie and grandchildren, Emma, Andrew “Andy” and Luke of Sacramento. Tom was born on September 23, 1939 in Chico, California to Leroy McClain and Emma Belknap. Tom went to McClatchey High. After which he joined the U.S. Navy and attended basic training. Upon completion of training, Tom attended and completed Navy Radar School. Tom excelled and often spoke of his time as a Navy Radar Operator. Tom spent most of his time in the Navy on the USS Herbert J. Thomas DD 833. Upon Honorable Discharge from the Navy, and after moving to Sacramento, Tom began working at Vita Freeze where he met Carmen Avila and began a lifelong relationship with her. Tom left Vita Freeze, worked at Capital Parcel, and shortly after, began work at Crystal Cream and Butter Company. Tom and Carmen eventually married in 1968 and had two children, Steven and Leslie. His children remember him as a kind, NOT the most patient, crazy driver, hard working (he never called in sick to work), meticulous, family protector, animal lover and huge sports fan. Tom was an avid fisherman and was happiest out on the water. Tom loved witty, edgy comedians such as George Carlin and Richard Pryor. Tom had his own way of expressing himself, often using the terms “Well Shit”, “Gawd Damn”, “Jesus Jumpin’ Christ”, and “Shit or go Blind”. Fun fact, these phrases were often blurted out while driving in traffic. Tom loved watching sports, however, the San Francisco Giants were HIS team. Tom was an early riser, who loved “a cup” of coffee. On most early mornings, he would sit on his chair and read for hours. If he wasn’t reading, he was doing his crossword puzzles with his dog in his lap. He also loved “resting his eyes” in his favorite chair. Tom never looked unkept. He was always well groomed and looking sharp. Tom was a fierce protector and an excellent provider for his family. If something broke and he was trying to fix it, you were guaranteed to hear the phrase, “Gawd Damn It!” throughout the house.

Roadtrips, in their green station wagon, were carefully navigated by Tom using his paper maps. The man never asked for directions and “never” got lost. He was the quintessential “Dad”.

The McClains would like to thank the staff at Mercy General Hospital for their efforts and dedication in making Tom’s final days as comfortable as possible.