Donald McLain

Donald was preceded in death by his father, John Ernest McLain; his mother, Doris Heinrichs McLain Chase; his beloved wife, Berniece Zinnie; and numerous aunts and uncles.

Donald grew up in Pensacola, Florida, where he attended Brownsville, Brentwood, Elisajane Wilson, Blount, and Warrington Junior and Senior High Schools. After graduating, he continued his education through trade school before joining the United States Navy.

The Navy was everything to Donald. He proudly served his country for more than two decades, retiring in 1979 after 22 years of distinguished service as an E-9 Master Chief Petty Officer, Machinist’s Mate. During his naval career, he was stationed aboard the USS Manley (DD-940) for five years, during which time he made two WestPac cruises to Vietnam. He also served aboard the USS Barney (DDG-6), the USS Wainwright (DLG-28), and the USS Barry (DD-933).

In 1978, Donald was selected as Master Chief Petty Officer of the Command during the UNITUS 18 Goodwill and Training Cruise, traveling around South America alongside allied navies. He also served as Company Commander for four recruit companies and worked as a classroom instructor between assignments. In his final year of naval service, Donald was stationed at Saufley Field in Pensacola, Florida, where he was responsible for writing examinations and manuals for the Machinist Mate (MM) rate.

During his career, Donald received a Fifth Good Conduct Award as well as the Navy Achievement Medal. He was a lifetime member of AMVETS, Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), The American Legion, and the Fleet Reserve Association.

Following his retirement from the Navy, Donald continued working in maritime positions at shipyards in and around Pensacola, Florida, and Mobile, Alabama, until 1996.

After retiring from his professional career, Donald devoted his time to woodworking in his home shop. He handcrafted baby doll beds, sturdy footstools, children’s toolboxes, and small wooden trains. Each piece was made entirely of wood and given away. By the time he fully retired, Donald had made more than 900 baby doll beds within a two-year period, a true reflection of his generosity and quiet joy in giving.

Donald later moved to the Armed Forces Retirement Home in Gulfport, Mississippi, where he resided for one and a half years. His “Final Cruise,” as he often called it, was set on December 9, 2025.

Donald is survived by his extended family, including many first cousins, and is especially remembered by two cousins with whom he shared a close and meaningful bond. Donald will be remembered as being a very generous, loyal and family-oriented human being.

And always will tell you exactly what he thinks, in his own "special way".

Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 18, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Oak Lawn Funeral Home, 619 New Warrington Road, Pensacola, Florida.

A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the same location.

A committal service with military honors will be held at 1:00 p.m. at Barrancas National Cemetery, Pensacola, Florida.