Harold E. McClure, Sr.

Throughout his rich and rewarding life, Harold E. McClure lived a life of purpose filled with the people and experiences he loved. He was an outdoorsman whose passion was fishing, although there was nothing that was of greater significance to him than his beloved family. It was no secret that Harold was married to the love of his life, and together they witnessed their family tree blossom to include the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who were his greatest source of pride and joy. Life was not without times of trial for him, but he was a man of courage and strength who faced whatever came his way head on. Although he will be deeply missed, Harold will never be forgotten.

As 1940 dawned, WWII was escalating overseas yet America remained neutral for the time being. As a nation we were struggling to get back on our feet after the trials of the Great Depression throughout the 1930s, and Americans were looking toward the future with great anticipation. It was as the end of summer held the city of Senora, Kentucky, firmly in its grip that Fred and Dolores (Kessinger) McClure were eagerly anticipating the birth of their new baby. The big day finally arrived on August 30th when the baby boy they named Harold E. drew his first breath. He was one of 10 children in his family as his siblings included Vada, Roberta Sis, Norma, Alden Ray, Robert Bobby, Frederick Gene, Roxann, Donald, and Edward. It was during his formative years that Harold moved to Allen County with his family, and later moved to Whitley County in 1953.

In many ways Harold was a young boy of his generation. As a boy he was very ornery with his sisters, and he took great pleasure in teasing them. Harolds passion for the outdoors was born while he was a boy as he was always outdoors, often hunting and fishing. When he was only 10, he was struck by a car, suffering injuries that he was told would leave him unable to walk. Of course Harold would have no part of that, and he also overcame a fall from a building when he was working as a teen. He attended local schools including both Northside and Churubusco High School.

Eager to embrace all that life had in store, Harold joined the United States Navy at the age of 17, and a brief time later was medically discharged because of the injuries he sustained during his younger years. After his discharge, Harold continued working in construction and started driving dump trucks. For over 20 years, he made a career in trucking as he worked at Radabaugh Trucking for eight years and then at Graves Trucking for 12 years. Health concerns forced him to retire in 1980.

Not to be forgotten during his years as a young man was Harolds introduction to the woman of his dreams. Her name was Patricia J. Jackson, and they met through a mutual friend. From the moment she first saw him, Patricia knew that he was the one for her. With a desire to establish a life together, the sweethearts were married on April 22, 1961, at North Christian Church in Fort Wayne. Together they were blessed with the births of four children including Harold, Jr., Laura, Brent, and Brad. Harold was a genuine family man who was deeply devoted to his family, and he treasured every moment he had to spend with them. Some of their favorite memories were made up in Petoskey, Michigan, where they rented cabins on Pickerel and Crooked Lake. Things only got better when his grandkids came along, and they had him wrapped around his finger from the moment they were born.

A man of many interests, Harold was one to keep busy. Second only to his family was his love for fishing. In fact, if he was asked, Harold would say that he was the worlds best fisherman! He had a vast knowledge of fishing and was delighted to be able to take his grandchildren and great-grandchildren fishing. Harold regularly went to his friends fishing rod store to help out with making rods, and of course telling his legendary fishing stories and giving his advice to the young fishermen that came by. It has been said that he was a great storyteller who enjoyed topping any other fishermans story. If someone was willing to listen, Harold was more than happy to share a story or two.

In addition to fishing, he was also a hunter and trapper. He enjoyed taking his family camping and attending blue grass festivals with his children and his wife. Although his health slowed him down some, Harold still kept busy. He even developed a new hobby that he was highly talented in as he took his doodling skills and turned them into sketches and drawings. Harold also made his own wine, which he made his own labels from using his drawing skills.

All who knew Harold McClure would agree that he was one of the most kindhearted people around. He lived a life that was focused on loving his family, and although he faced many health challenges throughout his journey he never let things hold him back. Harold worked hard, but he played hard, too, and there was no one who could weave a story quite like he could. Dearly loved, he will be forever missed.

Harold E. McClure, Sr., 75 of Churubusco, IN, died at 1:55 a.m. Monday, February 8, 2016, at Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne. Harolds family includes his wife of 54 years, Patricia McClure; children, Harold E. McClure, Jr. of Churubusco, Laura (Brent) Whitehead of Nappanee, Brent (Michelle) McClure of Columbia City and Brad McClure of Kokomo; sister, Roxann (Danny) Brock of Fort Wayne; brothers, Donald (Mary Ann) McClure and Edward (Mary Lou) McClure, both of Fort Wayne; 11 grandchildren, Cody, Dylan, Bailey, Dakota, Cheyanne, Lindsey, Whitney, Kristin, Jeremiah, Skyler and Spenser; and eight great-grandchildren, Olivia, Logan, Evan, Alex, Jamari, Kala, Gaven and Bransen. Harold was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Vada Rice, Roberta Sis Jackson and Norma Landis; brothers, Alden Ray, Robert Bobby and Frederick Gene McClure.

Visitation will be from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Thursday, February 11, 2016, at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday, February 12, 2016, at the funeral home. Burial will follow at White City Cemetery, Spencerville. Memorial donations may be made in his honor to American Heart Association. To send Harolds family on-line condolences, visit www.demoneygrimes.com .