Louis Raymond McLain III

Louis Raymond “Mac” McLain III, born to Louis Raymond McLain Jr. and Billie Mitcheline Williams McLain in Wichita Falls, Texas on May 21, 1947 passed peacefully at home on December 6, 2019 in Pantego, Texas.

Mac and Rochelle Frazee married on April 29, 1970 and spent almost 50 years together enjoying a wonderful life with their children, Rob and Laurie. He was a graduate of Abilene High School after growing up in many different cities in Texas. He served his country with pride in the National Guard and Army Reserve. He earned both a BBA ‘69 and MBA ‘75 from Southern Methodist University. Later he became a Chartered Financial Analyst.

In 1969, Mac started his career in banking at Republic National Bank in Dallas, TX. He quickly had a calling to teach and joined The School of Business at Texas Wesleyan University in 1976. This began a journey that would extend beyond his May 2013 “retirement.” Mac held various positions while at TWU including the longtime Dean of the School of Business, the University’s first Chief Investment Officer, and retired as Director of Major Gifts. But the constant during his Wesleyan career was teaching and being a mentor, advisor and moral compass for many students. While at Wesleyan, he was recognized for his commitment and passion in the classroom with the Wesleyan Flame Award as well as the Honorary Alumni Award. He briefly ventured into the private investment and financial planning sector to explore his passion of helping others manage their investments and financial health, including a lasting relationship with Holt Capital Partners.

His love of teaching and inspiring others was not limited by the boundaries of the Texas Wesleyan University campus, but extended to his regular Sunday school class at Covenant United Methodist Church where Mac and Rochelle have been members since 1976 when they moved from Dallas to Pantego. As an active member in the Methodist church he served in many capacities, including singing in the choir, teaching Vacation bible school as well as several administrative roles. He also taught as an adjunct professor at the University of Dallas and Dallas Baptist University.

Past President of the Downtown Fort Worth Rotary Club, Mac enjoyed the relationships and impacts he made throughout the community. He was a member of Rotary since 1988 and also the recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow. In addition to his career and community involvement, he enjoyed reading, traveling, hunting, fishing, and running; however, his greatest joy was seeing the successes of his children and grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents and infant granddaughter, Chloe McLain.

Mac is survived by his wife Rochelle Frazee McLain, son Robert Louis McLain and wife Darla, daughter Lauren McLain DeCuir and husband James, grandchildren Jamison DeCuir, Emily McLain and Austin DeCuir as well as a host of family, friends, and colleagues who loved him dearly. Mac and Rochelle have said, “From the beginning the love and continued support from our children, Rob and Laurie and their families, as well as the strength and prayers from church, family and friends, allowed us to take ‘One Day at a Time’.” A special thank you to the many caregivers, therapists and medical personnel (especially son Rob, Megan and LaDonna) who have supported Rochelle in taking care of Mac over the last five years to allow him to keep his smile, humor and joy despite his health challenges.

A memorial service was held on Thursday, December 12th at Texas Wesleyan University at the Polytechnic United Methodist Church. Graveside Services will be held on December 30th at 10 a.m. at Moore Memorial Gardens in Arlington, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, please join his family in creating a special scholarship at Texas Wesleyan University to ensure Mac’s passion of teaching lives on with future students. Gifts may be made online at https://txwes.edu/alumni/giving/ or mailed to Texas Wesleyan University at 1201 Wesleyan Street, Fort Worth, TX 76105.