Walter F. McClure

Walter F. McClure, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 1, 2026. Walt was born on May 31, 1933 in Brooklyn, NY. He graduated from Newtown High School, attended the NY State Maritime Academy and graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1957 with a BS degree in Civil Engineering. He served in the United States Army from 1954-1955.

Walt married Alice May Lauer on October 23, 1954, who preceded him in death on February 10, 2008, and they moved to Arlington Heights, IL, where they raised their family. Walt was a child of God who was very strong in his faith. He was very active in Mt. Prospect Bible Church where he played the organ for 31 years and served as the Trustee Chairman for many years.

Walt’s first job was with Babcock & Wilcox Process engineering in their nuclear facilities plant in Lynchburg, VA. He then moved to Arlington Heights for a job with Sargent & Lundy Engineers, then with Manufacturers Mutual Fire Insurance, and then Allendale Insurance where he became the manager of Chicago Operations. Finally, he found his true home working for Arthur J Gallagher & Co. for 28 years where he was a Senior VP and Chairman of the Broker Services Division as well as being a member of the Board of Directors. He retired in 2000 and became a snowbird living part time in St. Petersburg, FL.

On November 11, 2011, he married Jeanne McKenzie McClure and they made their home in Westerville, OH and St. Petersburg, FL. Walt enjoyed taking his family on vacations, fishing in Canada and Alaska, boating on the Kentucky Lakes with family and friends, and relaxing with them, as well, in St. Petersburg, FL.

Walt is survived by his wife, Jeanne, his two daughters, Barbara Brust and Carole (Sarge) Sargent; along with six grandchildren, Jonathan (Carly) Brust, Stephen (Alicia) Brust, Courtney (Kurt) Vahle, Ben (Elizabeth) Brust, Stephanie Strejc, Caleb (Laurel) Strejc; and 14 great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to a charity close to Walt’s heart: National Multiple Sclerosis Society at https://donate.nationalmssociety.org or mail to National MS Society, PO Box 54879, Los Angeles, CA 90054.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at The Orchard, 1330 N Douglas Ave, Arlington Heights, IL 60004 from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM with the service beginning at 11:00 AM. Interment will immediately follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery, 2501 E Euclid Ave, Arlington Heights, IL 60004.