Robert McLain, Sr

ELKHART — Robert Earl “Bob” McLain Sr., 92, passed away peacefully Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, at Valley View Healthcare.

He was born Aug. 18, 1926, in Elkhart, to the late John J. and Beryl (Fuller) McLain.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, John, Jimmy and Arthur McLain, and two sisters, Sharon Dean and Iva Reams.

Bob married Shirley A. Tarnecy on Dec. 14, 1957, in Elkhart.

Surviving are his wife of 60 years, Shirley; six children, Janet (Richard) Larson of Locust Grove, Oklahoma, Roberta (Ron) Smeltzer of Elkhart, Christine Davis of Thomasville, North Carolina, Earl Robert (Sue) McLain of La Porte, Robert E. “Bob” McLain Jr. and Timothy (Traci) McLain, both of Elkhart; 15 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Robert was a 1945 Concord High School graduate, and soon after, he entered the U.S. Army, where he served his country honorably until his discharge in 1947.

Bob formerly worked as a setup man, punch press operator, and supervisor at Kennatrack and Taylor Products.

Bob then went to work at the Sears and Montgomery Ward stores, where he was the sales manager of the plumbing heating and air-conditioning department.

Bob was a member of the Dunlap Lion’s Club and past president of the Elkhart Evening Lion’s Club.

He was a member of Cornerstone Baptist Church.

Bob touched the lives of many people and had a love for his family and grandchildren.

He enjoyed making things out of wood and woodworking.

Bob’s family will receive friends from 5 - 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30, at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., where funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, with additional visitation one hour prior.

His son Earl McLain will officiate. Burial will follow in Rice Cemetery where military honors will be rendered.

The family prefers memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association.

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