Joseph Albert McClure, Jr.

Joe was born on December 31, 1924 in Jonesboro, Arkansas to Joseph A. and Myrtle (Kirby)

McClure. He grew up in Blytheville, Arkansas. Joe was proud to serve in the United States

Navy during WWII.

After the war, he went to college at Oklahoma State University where he met Betty Jean

Thomas who would become both his best friend and wife. They married in Holdenville,

Oklahoma on September 5, 1948.

Joe and Jean began their married life in Grayville, Illinois. They lived in North Dakota, Montana and West Virginia before settling in Mt. Vernon, Illinois in 1959. Joe was an electrical engineer and worked in the oil fields. Later, he was self-employed. Joe and Jean raised their family in Mt. Vernon and eventually retired to Florida in the mid-90s, later returning to Illinois and living in Springfield. Joe and Jean enjoyed over 70 years together before Jean preceded him in death on August 30,2019.

Joe is survived by three children, David (wife, Cheryl) McClure of Demorest, GA, Marti McClure of Peoria, IL, and Holly (husband, Jack) Taylor of Springfield, IL. There are six grandchildren, Kelly (husband, Alex) Tracy, Matthew (wife, Rachel) McClure, David (wife, Lauren) McClure, Charles (wife, Janette Spenny) Taylor, Peter Taylor and Caroline Taylor. There are five great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Warren (wife, Laura) McClure of Union, MO and his sister, Alyce (husband, Tom) McHaney of Powhatan, AR.

A private ceremony will be held at Camp Butler National Cemetery at a later date.

Joe’s family would like to express gratitude to the caring staff at Concordia Village. Joe was

blessed by your excellent care, kindness and patience each and every day.

Memorial donations may be made to Sugar Creek United Methodist Church, 1022 New City

Road, Chatham, IL 62629 or the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight, 57 Country Place, Springfield, IL 62703.