Marvin Clifford McClain 11/30/1927 - 11/24/2022

Our dad, Marvin Clifford McClain passed on to join his wife, Imogene McClain, on Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 2022. He was born at home on November 30, 1927 near Wellington,Texas and was the only boy of 6 children. His family were farmers and share croppers in his early life and he learned the value of hard work at a young age, driving tractors, prepping fields for planting and doing odd jobs. When he was five, the family of of five headed out to Lake Arthur New Mexico. The trip, by covered wagon, had its excitement keeping the animals in line and not running off. No trails or roads made for a slow trip. Looking for better farmland, the family eventually settled in Array, New Mexico. They farmed 10 acres and built a part adobe, part dirt house into a hill on a corner of the property. The Welsh miners in the area called them " Cousin Jacks". The girls slept in the house and our dad slept in the barn. Work was divided similarly, the girls did work in the house and he and his dad did the work outside the house. Dad graduated from 8th grade while they lived there. Five weeks into his freshman year of high school he left home and headed to Texas with a friend. He stayed there did farm work, construction and cattle ranching. Eventually he headed back home. The war had started and the world had changed. Dad continued to travel picking up odd jobs and skills along the way. In 1945, he joined the Merchant Marines. The war was ending but it would be quite awhile until things returned to normal. Dad helped move his family to Waterford CA where he eventually met and married the love of his life. He and our Mom had three kids, Mike(Aleta), Gena (Larry), and Kathie(Steven). Dad was always able to fix "anything" and enjoyed working on cars, riding motorcycles, camping, talking with his HAM radio friends and reading about history. He and our mom loved traveling. One of the highlights of their travel was visiting the Duarte Castle on the Isle of Mull in Scotland. Lord McClean inhabited this castle in the 13 century and the castle is considered the home of the McClain heritage. While there, the current Laird gave them a private tour. We all got kilts in the family plaid along with the crest for the McClains. It was a great adventure for them. After our mom passed in 2010, Dad had a pretty rough time. After being married for 63 years, it was hard to be alone. He was blessed with a special friend, Eileen Pulsifer, these last 12 years. They traveled and provided each other with companionship and caring for the later years of their life. Marvin is survived by his three children, 6 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren. Additionally he has 5 surviving siblings, Juel, Melba, Louise, Christine, and Brenda. In lieu of flowers, dads request is for donations to the Leukemia and Lymphoma society in honor of our Mom. www.lls.org or The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Donor Services, PO Box 22324 New York, NY 10087. A celebration of life will be held April 22, 2023 at his daughter, Kathie's, home in Newcastle.