St.
Clair County Obits
PAUL MCCLURE
Hill & Son Funeral Home, LLC
Paul McClure, February 13, 1923 - March 9, 2008. Paul Dan “Pete”
McClure was born to Daniel Joseph
“Buck” and Lavina Amanda “Sis” (Bybee) McClure on February 13, 1923 in
El Dorado Springs, Missouri. He departed this life on Sunday March 9,
2008 at Appleton City Manor Nursing Home in Appleton City, Missouri at
85 years of age.
He served his country during World War II with the United States Army.
He was stationed in Germany during his tour. After being hit by a
“screaming meemie” he was transferred to a hospital in Potel, France
where he spent several months recovering. Decorations bestowed upon
him for military service include: EAME Theater Ribbon with 3 Bronze
Stars, the Victory Medal, WWII American Theater Ribbon and a Good
Conduct Ribbon. He was a member of the Montrose #8820 of the V.F.W.
Pete held many jobs during his life. He was a dozer operator and truck
driver for Calhoun Hatchery; he also owned an operated a gas station
as well as a restaurant for a short time, both located in Appleton
City.
He will most be remembered as a mechanic who could fix just about
anything. He enjoyed getting together with friends to pick guitars and
sing country songs. Although he enjoyed hunting, trotlining for
catfish was the
highlight of his life. He wasn’t a very big man and many times the
fish just about pulled him in the river instead of him pulling them in
the boat! He also enjoyed taking others with him trying for catfish
with rods and reels. Around the area of Taberville and “Claybanks”, he
knew the river like the bank of his hand. Although he lived in many
different places, without a doubt, his favorite was southeast of
Taberville on the Elmer Abbot place. There, the Osage River was barely
more than out the back door. That paradise vanished with the flood of
the 80’s when they had to be brought out by boat. It was time to find
higher ground and they moved to Rockville for a while and eventually
settled in Appleton City for the final time.
Pete was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Bonnie
Householder, a son Danny Ray McClure and a stepson, Donald Lee Dines.
He is survived by his wife, Georgie of the home, with whom he spent
over 50
years of his life. She lovingly cared for him in their home after his
health began to fail. Finally he was admitted to the hospital and then
the nursing home where he resided until his death. He is also survived
by his children: Buddy McClure and wife Christeal of Appleton City,
Rose Isaacson of Appleton City, Paula Sanchez and husband Tony of San
Jose, California, Martha Garver and husband Lowell of Rockville and
Nancy Ayayla of Appleton City.
Surviving children from a previous marriage are: Bonnie Newell and
husband Alan of Clinton, Dennis Lee McClure and wife Robin of
Deepwater, Randy McClure and wife Diane of Clinton and Ricky McClure
of Deepwater. Other survivors include his stepchildren: A.C. Dines and
wife Margaret of Appleton City, Mary Carter and husband Everett of
Appleton City, Les Dines and wife Janet of Rockville, Clyde Dines and
wife Marlyn of Appleton City and Rita Stewart and husband Danny of
Osceola. Also a daughter-in-law Liz McClure of Houston, Texas, a
brother Jim McClure and wife Doris of Montrose, several grandchildren,
great-grandchildren, a few great-great-grandchildren, as well as many
nieces, nephews, close friends and a host of other relatives.
Service: Hill & Son Funeral Home in Appleton City, Missouri on
Thursday, March 13, 2008 at 2:00 p.m.
Minister: Pastor Harvey Woods. Visitation: Hill & Son Funeral Home in
Appleton City, Missouri on Wednesday, March 12, 2008 from 7:00 - 9:00
p.m. Military Graveside Service: Montrose VFW Post 8820.
Interment: Taberville Cemetery in Taberville, Missouri Memorial:
Family Love Fund.
