Merlen McClain (1936-2022)

Merlen Paul McClain, 86, Onaga, died on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022 at the Onaga Health and Rehabilitation Facility in Onaga.

He was born on March 5, 1936 at Soldier, the son of Samuel and Iva Murrel Murren McClain. 

Mr. McClain worked on bridge construction and ran a bulldozer and other heavy equipment. He was drafted into the U.S. Army and was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, and then was sent overseas to Germany.

Mr. McClain worked for Onaga Truck & Tractor as a mechanic for 20 years. He then partnered with Roger Graf and started Onaga Ag & Auto. He worked there for 15 years until his retirement.

He married Edna Neukirch on Oct. 18, 1958 in El Dorado. She survives, of the home. Other survivors include five children, Donna (Mike), Sam (Jane), Mike (Lisa), Dan (Peggy) and Les (Chanele); 17 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson.

Mr. McClain will be cremated, and a family burial will be held at a later date. Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Onaga is assisting the family.