Joseph McClain
December 5, 1938 ~ January 25, 2017
Joseph Leroy McClain, 78, of Mount Vernon, died peacefully at home on Wednesday, January 25, 2017. Memorial Service: 10:00 a.m. Saturday, January 28, 2017, at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Mount Vernon. Visitation: 3:30-5:30 p.m. Friday, January 27, 2017, at the funeral home.
He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Barbara; child, Wendy Jo McClain; and grandchild, Noelle Aleksandra McClain, all of Mount Vernon; sister, Rosalie Schmidt of Upper Sandusky, Ohio; sister-in-law, Lillian McClain; and many nephews and nieces. They have all made him proud.
Joe was born on December 5, 1938 on a farm near Upper Sandusky, Ohio to Roy and Ruth (Grundistch) McClain. He graduated from the Upper Sandusky School System and attended Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. An avid fan of the Buckeyes to the end.
He was called to serve in the United States Army Second Special Forces (Green Beret) from 1962-1968. And in March of 1963, he married Barbara Elizabeth Fay in Cleveland, Ohio.
Joe's extensive work history included time as the Assistant Manager at Kroger Grocery, Crestline, Ohio; Food Service Manager at Oberlin College in Oberlin, Ohio; Food Service Director at Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio; Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois; St. Ambrose College in Davenport, Iowa, and Cornell College in Mount Vernon. In addition, he was the owner of Joe's International Airport of Mount Vernon from 1976-2002. Joe was also proud of the favorable influence and training he provided for many college students throughout his career.
He volunteered as a Mount Vernon Firefighter for ten years. Joe also served on the Board of Directors for Hillcrest Golf and Country Club, and Chapel View Manor. He enjoyed his time playing poker, on the golf course, and especially in his huge garden.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Edwin, Richard, and Frank McClain; and sister, Marilyn McClain.
Memorials may be directed to the Joe McClain Memorial Fund at Cornell College or a charity of your choice.
Please share your support and memories with Joe's family on his tribute wall at www.stewartbaxter.com under obituaries.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Photo Gallery
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Joe played a big part in my college social life. His patience, tolerance and friendship with me and countless other Cornell kids will be cherished. My thoughts and prayers go out to Joe’s family.
Joe was like a second father to me as well as mentor, psychologist, and friend. He touched so many lives in the community and with Cornell College. You will not be forgotten, Joe! Thoughts and prayers go out to Barb, Wendy and Noelle at this most difficult time.
Joe was one of Mt. Vernon’s true “characters”, one of my favorite people to see. My sympathy to Barb, Wendy and extended family. He was one who helped define the unique character of MV, one who was always good for conversation respectfully, whether or not in agreement. We all were in it together to make a community, and a wonderful one! Joe remains a true Great Spirit.
Barb, Wendy & Noelle, So very sorry for your loss. I will be remembering you all in my prayers! Barb Landon
Many Cornellians spent a lot of time at Joe’s International Airport. You were always kind and tolerant of the students. Thanks for providing a safe place for us to gather and enjoy our college years! Cheers to you Joe! You will be missed by many.
P.S. I know the boys appreciated you for sponsoring the boys hockey team. That was really nice of you!
Over 35 years ago at approx 2:00 in afternoon I met the love of my life and life long friends in joes bar …without joe my life would be so different ..he has brought together so many people and fun times at his bar. I know the name is changed but it will always be joes to me Hope they have a stool by the pearly gates for you 😘💕
Joseph was the first person I met when moving to mount Vernon and remained a close friend for the rest of his life . He was the kind of person you went to when you had a problem and needed an extra pair of hands or set of ears. Joe was always there for you and he taught me a lot about friendship. He always said ‘yes ‘ when anyone needed help and those fortunate enough to meet him were enriched by the experience. I am a better person for having met him and I really miss him.
We are sorry for your loss, Barb and Wendy and Noelle. Remember all the good times and the laughter and all the other special things. Joe was a friend to many and Tim and I spent a little time at Joe’s International….(I also met you at Marcia “Kuchenbaker’s”). Love and sympathy to all of you.
Prayers, Diane and Tim Miller
So sorry Barb, Wendy & Noelle. Joe was such a kind-hearted guy. I met him when I chaired the Heritage Days Parade. He was always willing to help & donated the candy for the Grandparents & Grand Marshalls to throw during the parade. Our community will miss him. Praying for peace & strength for your family.
Ruth Clark
I knew Joe primarily from the Tuesday evening poker sessions with the Cornell faculty. Joe was a warm and gregarious presence, a good friend and companion, an exuberant bettor, but only occasionally a source of increased revenue for us poor professors. He as a good man and will be missed. Barbara Christiansen and I send our condolences and prayers.
I worked with Joe when SAGA was at the Commons, and then we became golfing buddies and poker pals. He has been a great friend. Always cheerful and always dependable.
Sorry for being late. Condolences to Barb, Wendy and the entire Fay-McClain clan. So many wonderful things already said by others here, there is little to add. Bartending and eventually being Night Manager (1978-1984) under my first business mentor and “dutch uncle” Joe McClain… to whom I owe so much, shaped my later life! Friendship, integrity, trust, loyalty and camaraderie won the day. I later did for others as he did for me. One cool set of memories was going back to Joe & Barb’s house frequently after closing up shop at 3 AM to work should to shoulder cooking breakfast for our crew. I learned a lot about seasonings and there my love for Tabasco was born. Rest in Peace my friend… we’ll “put another log on the fire” when I catch up with you! (photo 2017-01-11)