CWO4 Retired Jody C. McLain was born April 17, 1930 in Wellston, Oklahoma and passed on to his heavenly home on February 5, 2012 at Chandler, Oklahoma.

He was born to Henry Harrison "Eli" McLain and Lula Magdaline "Maggie" Swift, the youngest of 10 children. He attended Wellston Schools, graduating as Salutatorian with the Class of 1950.

Jody enlisted in the Oklahoma Army National Guard and was sent to Korea. Upon his return, he married Shirley Pat Richmond on June 21, 1953. To this union four children were born.

He began his career with the Oklahoma Army National Guard working at the Chandler Armory for John Coffey. He advanced through the years and in 1975 began working at the State Headquarters for the Guard. Jody retired as a technician in 1988, and retired from the Guard in 1990.

Jody was a 50 year member of the Masonic Lodge, attaining the 32nd Degree; he also was a 50 year member of the American Legion. From 1965 through 1975, Jody was also a Member of the Chandler School Board.

He was preceded in death by his parents and all his brothers and sisters.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Pat; his children, Kenneth E. McLain and wife Connie of Russellville, Arkansas; Barbara Gail Payne and husband Jimmie of Chandler; Anita J. Stephens and husband Kevan of Edmond; David B. McLain and wife Debbie of Purcell; as well as seven grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and sister-in-law Christine Friend as well as many nieces and nephews and other extended family.

Funeral services for Jody will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 8, 2012 in the Lehman Funeral Home Chapel with interment following at the Wellston Cemetery.

The family will be present Tuesday evening from 6:00 till 8:00 p.m. greeting friends as they tell stories of their times with Jody.

Services are under the direction of Lehman Funeral Home of Wellston.