Donald E. McClain

Donald E. McClain, a devoted, dedicated, and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and son, gracefully passed away surrounded by his family on August 24, 2026, at the age of 95. He was reunited in Heaven with his beloved wife of 76 years, Shirley M. McClain, who passed away on October 26, 2024.

Donald leaves behind a legacy of unsurpassed faith in God, unwavering dedication to his family, and the belief in the value of maintaining a positive attitude. His faith was not only something he spoke about, but something he lived each day through his service, generosity, and love for others.

Donald devoted his time, money, and service to Calvary Church, now located in Springdale, Ohio. One of his greatest desires was to give his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and generations to come a church to belong to that was firmly based on the Word of God. Alongside his wife, Shirley, Donald faithfully served in children’s ministry and dedicated much of their lives to the church and its families.

Donald and Shirley were charter members of Calvary Church, beginning in 1968 under Pastors Norman R. and Mary Alice Paslay. For decades, they remained long-life members and true anchors of Calvary Church. Their commitment to their faith, their church, and their family became an important part of the legacy they leave behind.

Donald’s favorite passage of Scripture was Ecclesiastes 3:1-8:

“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;

4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

5 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

6 A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.”

These words beautifully reflect the many seasons of Donald’s remarkable 95 years of life, a life filled with faith, hard work, love, family, service, joy, and devotion.

Donald was born on May 24, 1931, in Cincinnati, Ohio. At the age of 19, he married his beloved wife, Shirley Diesslin. Together, they began a life centered around family, faith, and hard work.

Donald began working at General Electric as an electrician while putting himself through night school to learn the trade. His dedication and determination carried him through a fulfilling 40-year career at General Electric until his retirement.

Together, Donald and Shirley raised five children while also supporting Donald’s mom and dad in their home until they passed away. Family was at the heart of Donald’s life, and he took great pride in the family they built together.

Donald is survived by his son, Michael McClain (the late Alice); his son, Donald McClain and his wife, Susan, of Cincinnati, Ohio; his daughter, Donna Knepke and her husband, George, of Cincinnati, Ohio; his son, Bruce McClain and his wife, Melodie, of Cincinnati, Ohio; and his daughter, Linda Angus (McClain), of Cincinnati, Ohio.

He is also lovingly remembered by his 15 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild, each of whom he lovingly adored. His family was one of his greatest joys, and the love he gave them will continue through every generation that follows.

Donald’s homecoming is marked by the absence of those who preceded him in death, including his beloved parents, Clifford and Louise McClain; his sister, Hazel and Dan Caldwell; his sister, Helen and Larry Marshall; his brother, Ray and Sis McClain; his brother Carl and Sis McClain; his brother, Clarence and Kathleen McClain; his brother, Frank and Helen McClain; his brother, Merl and Lonora McClain; and his beloved daughter-in-law, Alice McClain.

Donald’s life was a testament to faith, perseverance, family, service, and love. He spent 95 years planting seeds of faith, building a family, serving his church, working hard, and encouraging those around him to remain positive and faithful. Now, his season on earth has come to an end, and he has entered a new season of eternal peace, reunited with the wife he loved for 76 years.

His legacy will live on in his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchild, and in all those whose lives he touched.

“A time to be born, and a time to die… a time to mourn, and a time to dance… a time to love… and a time of peace