FRANKLIN
John W. McClain, PhD, 72, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2015, after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease and cancer. He was a resident of Franklin.
John was born Sept. 26, 1943, in Shelbyville to Chester L. McClain Sr. and Anne M. Walker.
He grew up in Shelbyville and served in the U.S. Navy from 1962 through 1966, spending much of his time in counter intelligence and learning five languages.
He earned his PhD at Indiana State University in economic geography.
John met his wife Susan while he was a professor at the University of Indianapolis, where she was a graduate student. They were married Aug. 9, 1980. He taught at several universities.
John is survived by his wife of 35 years, Susan McClain; his two children, Andrew (Sarahmae) and his daughter Ainsley; two grandchildren, Ashley and Mackenzie; his younger brother James (Marcia); and several cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and an older brother, Chester Lee McClain, Jr.
John thoroughly enjoyed teaching both undergraduate and graduate students. He had also been a consultant for over 30 years. John donated his body to science and research as his last act of teaching.
Per John’s request, no public service is currently planned. A private family celebration of life will be conducted at a later date.
His final request was that in lieu of flowers to do an anonymous good deed for a stranger.
