Donald E. McClure

Don was born to Eric and Edna in Long Beach California. He attended Jordan High School in Long Beach and graduated in 1949. At Jordan High School, Don won the California “B Class” Outstanding Athlete Award. Don attended the University of Oregon on an athletic scholarship for track and field and football. He lettered for three years at the U of O running track for Bill Bowerman. Don graduated with a major in physical education and minors in mathematics and biology. Prior to his senior year, Don served in the Army and was stationed in Europe during the Korean conflict.

Don met his wife Mary through mutual friends at the University of Oregon. They were married on February 26, 1955 in Heppner, Oregon and had four children, Kathy, Terry, David, and Doug. He returned to the University of Oregon for graduate work and received a Master of Science degree in Physical Education. Don taught at Douglas High School, Sunny Hills High School, Heppner High School, and Ashland Junior High School. He taught physical education, biology, and mathematics. He really liked teaching P.E. and helping each student to improve, discover his athletic strengths, and find his sport. Don loved coaching at each of the schools, especially coaching track. Don often talked about many of the great kids he had coached over the years. During the summers in Ashland, he worked for the Dept. of Parks and Recreation running youth programs. Don started the popular Ashland All-Comers Track Meets which were extremely well planned and organized.

After Don and Mary retired they moved to Seattle to be closer to their four children. They loved planning trips and traveled in their RV far and wide across the U.S. and Canada. Don and Mary especially loved going on short trips to the Oregon Coast (with an occasional stop at a casino) and attending U of O football games. In his spare time, Don liked to watch old movies and sports; he was especially vocal cheering for the Ducks. Don enjoyed time with his family and large family gatherings. Don loved spending time with his grandchildren and coached many of their teams, volunteering to coach basketball, cross country, and track. He continued to coach track at Archbishop Murphy High School and was the head coach until he was 78 years old.

He was preceded in death by his parents Eric and Edna and by his brother Jerry Walker. Don is survived by his wife, Mary; brothers Steve Walker of Long Beach, Calif. and Dale Walker of Irvine, Calif.; sister Suzie Barrett of Forest, Virginia; daughters Kathy Alkire (Vince) and Terry Claggett (Scott) of Seattle , sons David McClure (Sang’jun) of Maple Valley and Doug McClure (Robin) of Bothell. He is also survived by eight grandchildren: Tom and Steve Alkire; Kevin, Brianna, and Ryan Claggett; Wesley McClure; Emily Steinbach and Alex McClure.

Memorial Service:

There will be a memorial service celebrating Don's life on Sunday, December 13th, at 12:00 noon at the Purdy and Walters funeral home in Lynnwood, Washington. All who knew Don are welcome to attend:

Purdy and Walters at Floral Hills

409 Filbert Road

Lynnwood, WA 98036

A graveside service will be on Monday, Dec 14th, at 12:00 noon at the adjacent Floral Hills cemetery.