Jerry M. Mcclain

Jerry Monroe McClain, 78, passed away on Sunday, July 13th, 2014, at St. John Medical Center following a brief illness. He was born February 6th, 1936, the son of Ted and Hazel McClain. Jerry enjoyed his childhood living in Fort Smith, Arkansas, along with his siblings Tom, Barbara, and Gloria. After graduating from Ft. Smith Senior High School in 1954, a mutual friend introduced him to Mary Sue Black. They were married at Opportunity Heights Baptist Church in Tulsa on March 31st, 1956.

Jerry served in the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve from 1953 to 1964, where he was an aircraft mechanic and achieved the grade of staff sergeant. He worked briefly at Otis Elevator before becoming an assembly mechanic for Unit Rig and Equipment Co. (now Terex), from which he retired after 37 years.

Jerry enjoyed aviation, Saturday night stock car races, building and collecting model airplanes, working on bicycles, coaching Little League baseball, telling stories and corny jokes, and talking to anyone who would listen. He loved every dog he met, but especially his beloved Yorkie, Brianne. He delighted in spending time with his grandchildren. He volunteered at Addams Elementary School and the Red Fork Baptist Church food bank.

Jerry is survived by his wife Mary, currently in residence at Tulsa’s Ambassador Manor in their memory unit; daughter Suzanne Johnson and her husband Bruce; son Ted McClain; grandkids Katie Johnson, Ian Johnson, Taryn McClain, Skylar McClain.

A memorial service for Jerry is planned for 2 p.m. on Monday, July 21st, 2014, at Red Fork Baptist Church (2821 W. 40th St.) in West Tulsa.