Kenard Othel McClure

Ken passed away peacefully October 21, 2014 of natural causes at the ripe old age of 94. He was born January 10, 1920, in Batesville, Arkansas to parents John and Zella McClure. He graduated from Little Rock High School and entered the Army infantry at the age of 18. He served his nation proudly in World War II and the Korean War as a flight engineer on the B-25 and B-29 and navigator on the B-52 Bomber later in his military career. He retired from the Air Force with the rank of Captain in 1964 and moved his family to Merced, California.

Upon retirement from the Air Force Dad’s career paths included insurance agent and District Manager with State Farm, automobile salesman with Gaestel Ford, and retail sales with Gottschalk’s. Dad enjoyed his later years being the neighborhood handyman and daily trips to Rollen Donuts, Denny’s, or Bar B Q Pit.

He was an active member of the Merced Elks Lodge #1240 B.P.O.E., Merced American Legion Post #83, and past Post Commander of the Merced V.F.W. Post #4387 from 1984-1985.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, and his wife Eva. He is survived by his three daughters, Susan Fink, Linda Olsen (Ken), and Patty Harris; grandchildren, Cody (Demiah), Jon (Thea), Michelle, Barbie (Ian) and Tina (Aaron); great-grandchildren, Nick, Noelle, Evan, Jaden, Ezra, Roman, Angelica, Arianna, Blu, Logan, Enzo and Isis; great-great-grandchildren, Aiden and Londyn. He is also survived by many loved nieces and nephews.

The family would like to give a big collective hug to all the staff at Hylond Healthcare Center and Hinds Hospice for all the love and excellent care they gave our dad.

Memorial services and reception will be held Sunday, October 26, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home in Merced, California.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in Dad’s memory to Hinds Hospice, 410 West Main Street Merced, CA 95340.

Arrangements under the direction of Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, Merced, CA.