Van Martin McClure

Mr. McClure was the son of Carrie Hogge McClure and William "Chris" McClure. He and his wife, Bernice, lived in Norfolk’s Ingleside neighborhood until after her death in 2003.

Van McClure grew up in the former Atlantic City neighborhood in Norfolk, attended Maury High School, and served in the U.S. Army during World War II. His division was instrumental in liberating some of the German concentration camps. He never forgot. Upon his return home, he worked for the C&P Telephone Company where he met the love of his life, Bernice Kiff, a telephone operator. They married on New Year’s Day, 1949.

Mr. McClure was a PBX repairman with C&P and AT&T until his retirement in 1984. While at the phone company, he also served as a shop steward for the Communications Workers of America. He was also a member of the Telephone Pioneers of America. Mr. McClure was a keen craftsman with wood, loved stamp and celebrity autograph collecting, and repaired antique telephones.

Van McClure was predeceased by his sister, Alice McClure Reed, and by his wife, Bernice. He is survived by daughter Gail McClure Bradshaw and her husband Wayne of Chesapeake; son Glen Martin McClure and wife Marshall of Norfolk; granddaughter Gabrielle Michelle Bradshaw of Chesapeake; brother David McClure of Winchester; cousin Maury Bailey and his wife, Pat of Virginia Beach; "brother cousin" Bobby Harris and his wife, Sue of Virginia Beach; and many nephews, nieces, and friends new and old. He was always a terrific family man.

The family’s sincere thanks are offered to the many fine caregivers and friends who enriched Mr. McClure’s stay at Province Place DePaul.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, May 27, 2011, 10:00 a.m. at Smith & Williams Funeral Home in Norfolk. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Norfolk.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, May 26, 2011 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Friends may offer condolences at www.smithandwilliamsnorfolk.com.