Edwin "Ed" Neill McClure

Ed is survived by his cherished wife of 35 years, Kathy Ketron McClure; their beloved son, Zachary Denison, of New York City, N.Y.; father, Terry McClure, and stepmother, Doris McClure, of Rogers; brother, Garry McClure of California; sister, Neva “Kriket” Abrisz of Arkansas; and a number of nieces and nephews.

A 1982 graduate of Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa, he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha. Ed graduated from the University of Arkansas of Law in 1986. He was a member and president of Phi Alpha Delta law fraternity during his time at UA Law.

Ed was dedicated to justice for all which was reflected in his 40 year career with the law firm Matthews, Campbell, Rhoads, McClure & Thompson in Rogers. In addition to working in a variety of fields ranging from family law to zoning and land use, Ed served as interim municipal judge in Rogers. He was a member of the Arkansas, Missouri and New York bars, and was active in the Benton County and Arkansas bar associations.

Ed was recognized for his love of the Rogers and Northwest Arkansas community. He was in his fourth year of a term on the Rogers Planning Commission. He had served on the city Historic District Commission, Public Art Commission and Main Street Rogers board.

A lifelong Methodist, Ed served as a trustee of First United Methodist Church in Rogers.

Ed may have been best known for his passion for the arts. In 1986, he became a founding member of Rogers Little Theater, now known as Arkansas Public Theatre. He spent 40 years on stage and behind the curtain acting in and directing productions. His last directorial effort was Come From Away which reopened the Victory Theater in June, following repair of damage from the 2024 tornado.

Ed served on the Arkansas PBS Foundation; Miss Arkansas Scholarship Foundation Inc.; as a member of Ballet Arkansas board; and past president of Arts Live and Ozark Stageworks.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Arkansas Public Theatre, 116 S. Second St., Rogers, 72756; Humane Society for Animals (Rogers Humane Society), 405 E. Nursery Road, Rogers, 72758; or First United Methodist Church, 307 W. Elm St., Rogers, 72756. Links below.