Robert (Bob) J. McClain, 90, passed away Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023 at home surrounded by his loving family.
Bob was born in Bellefontaine on April 30, 1933 to the late George A. and Margaret McClain. During his childhood Bob was always learning how to build things and work on automobiles and helping his Dad do different jobs. Before he was out of high school Bob was repairing cars and learning the trade he would do the rest of his life.
During high school Bob was at home recuperating from a tonsillectomy and it was there he met the love of his life, Mona Lou Jones. This meeting was instigated and plotted by his Mother. From that day on he would rarely be seen without her by his side. Mona wanted to get married and quit school but Bob insisted she stay and graduate. They were married immediately after her graduation on June 4, 1952.
Together Bob and Mona (Mona Lou as he called her) built their home on North Ave. where they raised their two daughters, Kristy and Lori, help raise their two granddaughters, Kristina and Jessica, and welcomed their great granddaughter Skylar into the world. Their home truly was the “safe place” for all of their girls. Their home was filled with much love and laughter.
Bob and Mona owned and operated a successful business, McClain’s Body & Paint. Bob took great pride in his work and would not let a car go out of the shop without first inspecting it and making sure he approved of the work that was done to it. He was considered by many to be the epitome of his profession. Some even refer to him as a legend in the paint and body world. He was a jack of all trades and known for his extreme commitment to detail.
Bob loved going on fishing, mushrooming, and snowmobiling trips to Michigan and Canada with his family. He was a very humble and simple man. Bob always loved hard work and never shied away from it. Whenever his girls needed help, he was there instantly. He never complained about anything. After growing up during the Depression, he appreciated everything but never wanted or needed much of anything.
Bob tirelessly cared for Mona never leaving her side. The testament of extreme love and devotion he showed during this time was a great example of his loving nature.
Although Bob loved spending time with his girls, he especially loved the time he got to spend with his son-in-law John and being able to work on repairing cars, houses, and tractors with him or just sitting having guy talk with him.
Bob “tolerated” the ornery teasing and taunting he would constantly get from his granddaughters, Kristina and Jessica, and great granddaughter Skylar. His reaction would be a head shake of disbelief and a smile full of love for them.
Bob was always there for his family and he knew they were there for him as well.
Bob attended First Friends Church of Bellefontaine where he enjoyed helping with renovations and doing whatever was asked of him.
Bob is survived by his daughters, Kristy J. McClain (West Liberty) and Lori (John) Truesdale (Bellefontaine); granddaughters, Kristina (Josh) Hagemann (Centerburg) and Jessica Earick (Centerburg); great granddaughter, Skylar Hagemann (Centerburg); great grandson, Brock Hagemann (Centerburg); grandson and granddaughter, John and Lauren Truesdale (Kinross, Scottland); sister-in-law, Judy Lyons (Urbana); Jim (Sue) Earick (Columbus) who was like a son to Bob.
Bob is preceded in death by his loving wife of 65 years Mona Lou (Jones) McClain; parents: George and Margaret McClain; sister, Martha Rash; brother and sister-in-law, Ted and Linda McClain; brother-in-law, Richard Lyons; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Kaye and Frank Moon; niece, Penny Sue (Lyons) Wilkins.
Per Bob’s wishes he will be cremated and laid to rest with Mona. A celebration of Life officiated by Pastor Matt Sandlin will be held at a later date after the holidays, possibly not until spring. Any memorial contributions can be made to First Friends Church in his honor.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.jenningsfarley.com.
