Ernest Hayden McClure, beloved husband, father, and friend, of Olive Branch, Mississippi, departed this life on Tuesday, June 23, 2020, at the age of 87. He was born December 15, 1932, at Newark, the son of Melvin and Edith Pearl (Donaho) McClure.
McClure was a United States Army veteran, serving during the Korean conflict as an anti-aircraft gunner. He retired from Kellogg’s, where many of his lifelong friendships were made. McClure will be remembered as a hard worker and a faithful friend.
He was a devoted husband, loving brother, sweet father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. McClure taught by example, how to love, how to laugh, how to treat others, and how to have a servant’s heart. He taught his children how a husband should treat his wife, with love devotion, and selflessness. He taught them how to be parents – how to guide their children’s path, teaching through love, firmness, and dedication, and by being there for his children.
McClure has been described as a sweet husband, devoted father, doting grandfather, caring brother, and beloved uncle. He was a good man, with a kind spirit.
McClure was preceded in death by his parents, Edith and Melvin “Buddy” McClure; and his sisters, Katherine Long and Ada Clark.
He leaves his wife of 68 years, Fern McClure of the home; two children, Judy Rice and husband, Harvey, of Olive Branch, Mississippi, and Scott McClure and wife, Drenna, of O’Fallon, Missouri; seven grandchildren, Melissa and Paul LaFrain, Derek (Brandy), Stuart (Allilson), Ethan McClure, Jason (Amanda), and Shelly Rice. Also surviving are his great-grandchildren, Bryce, and Emmett LaFrain, Hayden, Oliver, Kayley, and Kelsey McClure, and Madeline and Matthew Rice; his precious sister, Sherry Pierce of Southside, Arkansas; many, nieces, nephews, and a lifetime of friends.
Friends may visit at the funeral home, Saturday, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Graveside services will follow at Blue Springs Cemetery at 11:00 a.m.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Paul LaFrain, Ethan McClure, Derek McClure, Jason Rice, Greg Pierce, and Kerry Don Clark. Honorary pallbearers are Bobby Delasman, and Gerald Sandridge.
Arrangements by Jackson’s Newark Funeral Home.
