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View a eulogy for Don Stuart McClelland, USMA '48, who passed away on January 11, 1997.

Don Stuart McClelland

West Point, 1948

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by XXXXXX on May 2, 2008:

Don S. McClelland '48
No. 16646 19 Jul 1926 - 11 Jan 1997
Died in Diamond Bar, CA
Cremated with ashes scattered in the Pacific Ocean

Don Stuart McClelland was born in Omaha, NE, the second of three children. Don was forced to grow up quickly at age 14 when his father died unexpectedly. His dreams of a college education were fulfilled with an appointment to the Class of '47.

As a cadet, Don was known for his remarkable collection of useful items and information. He worked hard, studied well, and played clean. A good sense of humor, ready wit, and cheerful disposition made him a friend to all. As one of the younger members in his class, he was fated to spend the extra year when the administration split the Class of '47 to form the Class of '48. Don was blessed with a very quick and inquisitive mind. Without much effort, he finished 174th in his class. While at West Point, Don was active in the Radio Club and the concert orchestra.

On Graduation Day, Don married his high school sweetheart, Betty Ann Storm. He was commissioned into the Chemical Corps with a combat arms carrier branch of Armor. After the usual Army schools, Don was assigned to Tank Company, 18th Infantry Regiment, and later, to a Chemical Corps assignment, where Don and Betty Ann were blessed with a daughter, Nancy. Next, Don was assigned to the Naval Post Graduate School and in 1954, earned his master of science in bioradiology at the University of California. After a period at Ft. McClelland, he was assigned to an unaccompanied tour in Korea with the Headquarters 7th Infantry Division.

While in Korea, Betty Ann became seriously ill, so Don was reassigned to the Staff and Faculty of the Chemical Corps School. Betty Ann died in 1962. Don was fortunate to meet Mary Jane Madigan, who had three sons by a previous marriage. They melded their households and moved to the Army Combat Development Command Nuclear Group at Ft. Bliss, TX. In 1966, Don was assigned to the Army Material Command from whence he retired two years later as a lieutenant colonel.

After retirement, Don worked briefly for Lockheed in Sunnyvale, CA, and in 1973 became the Administrative Coordinator for the American Motivational Association. In 1978, Don accepted a position as an Estimator and purchasing Agent for General Dynamics in the Pomona area, permanently settling the family in nearby Diamond Bar, CA. He retired from General Dynamics in 1988.

After retirement, square dancing became a major interest. An RV provided the opportunity for weekend traveling to square dancing events which evolved into a square dance business, lasting 14 very happy years until Don's health deteriorated.

Family and church were most important to Don, a deeply religious man who lived his beliefs. As an Elder in the Presbyterian Church, his duties were uppermost to the very end. Don leaves his wife Mary Jane, daughter Nancy, three adopted sons, Shaun, Luke, and Joe; six grandchildren, and two greatgrandchildren.

With Don's demise, we have lost a kind, considerate, and loving gentleman who will be greatly missed.

Mary Jane McClelland and a classmate

 
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