John H. McClain, 83, died February 27, 2025 at Todd-Dickey Nursing & Rehabilitation, Leavenworth, Indiana after a long battle with Parkinson’s Dementia.
He was born in Circleville, Ohio to Dan McClain and Evelyn McClain (Knapp), and enjoyed spending time on his uncle’s farm as a child. He served in the Army National Guard. John worked as an advertising copywriter and was an accomplished writer, including appointment by the Mayor of Cincinnati as Poet Laureate of the Sayler Park neighborhood.
He was a graduate from Cincinnati Police Academy, where he later worked in surveillance and investigation.
In his later years, he was a substitute teacher, Head Start educator, and direct support professional in developmental disabilities.
Throughout the years, a few of his many community efforts included time at the local civic center, Girl Scout troop volunteer, and American Red Cross disaster relief.
John was a proud and loving father to his daughter Emily, who will dearly miss him.
They spent countless hours listening to music, fishing, target shooting and camping.
He was a devoted husband and adored his wife of over 40 years. They enjoyed antiquing, reading, painting and gardening together. He took great pride in being a grandparent, and was proud to hear of his grandsons’ participation in sports and activities.
He was extremely fond of his family at Todd-Dickey Nursing & Rehabilitation. He adored each and every person who took excellent care of him over the past 7 1/2 years.
John was preceded in death by his wife, Nona McClain (Traiber), and is survived by Emily Siler (daughter), Nick Siler (son-in-law), and Frederick and Christian Siler (grandsons).
In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to the Rock Steady Boxing Program (Fight Against Parkinson’s) at the YMCA of Harrison County (198 Jenkins Ct. NE, Corydon, Indiana 47112) or the Siler McClain Giving Fund at the Community Foundation of Crawford County (4030 E Goodman Ridge Rd Box D, Marengo, IN 47140).
There will be a memorial service at a later date. Hughes-Taylor Funeral Home was entrusted with arrangements.
