Donald Lindsay McClary

Donald Lindsay “Don” McClary, Sr., age 81, passed away peacefully at home on June 8, 2026, in Port St. Lucie, Florida. Born on January 16, 1945, in Gulfport, Mississippi, to Donald John McClary, and Joyce Marie Lindsay. Don lived a life defined by service, adventure, devotion to family, and care for others.

Don spent his formative years in Vincennes, Indiana, where he attended grade school and high school. He went on to earn an Associate in Science from Vincennes University, a Bachelor of Arts from Northwestern State University, and a Master of Science in Administration from Central Michigan University.

In 1967, Don was drafted into the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He went on to attend Officer Candidate School and the Armor Officer Advanced Course, beginning a military career marked by leadership, resilience, and service. As an Armor Officer stationed in Quang Tri, Vietnam, Don served with distinction and bravery. His secondary specialty in Public Affairs became an important part of his career, allowing him to support critical communication efforts throughout his service.

Don’s Army career took him to Fort Carson, Colorado, Fort Polk, Louisiana, two tours in Germany, and Fort Riley, Kansas, where he worked with ROTC colleges and universities during the introduction of the Army’s recruiting slogan, “Be All That You Can Be.” He later served as Chief, Plans and Policy Division at Headquarters, U.S. Army Europe and Seventh Army before deploying to Beirut, Lebanon. There he served as Chief Spokesman and Director, for the Joint Public Affairs Bureau, following the bombing of the Marine Barracks. It was one of the defining assignments of his career and reflected the trust placed in him during a moment of national significance. His final assignment brought him to Fort Meade, Maryland, where he served as Deputy Public Affairs Officer. Don retired after 20 years of dedicated service to his country.

After retirement, Don continued to devote time to helping others. Known from his early days as “The Great Seeker,” he carried a sense of curiosity, humor, and adventure throughout his life. For 10 years, he facilitated a support group for individuals facing mental health challenges, offering guidance, compassion, and encouragement to those in need.

A man of varied interests, Don found joy in golf, snow skiing, reading, NASCAR and Grand Prix racing, cheering on the Baltimore Ravens and Orioles, classic rock music, card games and Yahtzee with loved ones, and his lifelong love of cars—especially Porsches.

Don is survived by his beloved wife of almost 49 years, Martha Lynn Cooper, his adored son and daughter-in-law, Donald McClary Jr. and Melissa of Oregon, and cherished granddaughter, Grace. He is also survived by his sister Margaret Meredith Bacci (Joseph), his sisters-in-law, Lee-Ann Meredith, Rebecca (Sibu) Saha, Judith Rishel, Rosemary (Ray) McKinney, and brother-in-law, Mark (Raeann) Cooper, nieces and nephews—Anthony Bacci, Meredith (David) Bacci Giesler, Lynn Marie Bacci (Riley), Alec (Betsy) Meredith, Elena (Ginette) Meredith, Rani Saha, Shubin (Amanda) Saha, Jennifer (Jack) Cain, Jane (Lance) Vicente, Emma Cooper, John and Jordan Rishel, Tyson and Devon McKinney, Spencer (Cassie) and Stephen (Rae Ann) Cooper, and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Donald John McClary, brother, Mark Meredith, his mother, Joyce and her husband Thomas Meredith, and his sister, Sarah Jane Johnson.

Don will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. May Don’s memory bring comfort and inspire others to live with the same courage and compassion that defined his remarkable life.

A memorial service will be on Friday, June 26, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Peace Presbyterian Church, 4881 SE Cove Road, Stuart, Florida. A Celebration of Life will follow on Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Aycock Funeral Home, 12571 Tradition Parkway, Port St. Lucie, Florida. Don’s final resting place will be Arlington National Cemetery at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Wounded Warrior Project, Donor Care Center, P.O. Box 758541, Topeka, KS 66675, or the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 13300, Tampa, FL 33681.