John Mcclarey

John McClarey, beloved husband, father, sculptor and so much more, died at Springfield Memorial Hospital after a tragic car accident on January 19th, 2024.

A Celebration of  John’s Life will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at Central Christian Church, located at 650 W William St, Decatur, IL 62522, with a visitation prior to the service from 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM.

A Live Stream of the Service will be available at https://www.cccdisciples.org/watch-worship-services/.

John was born October 22, 1935 in Leoma, Tennessee, the son of James and Ruth (Park) McClarey. John was preceded in death by his parents; brother James McClarey and sister Mary (Fairfield) McClarey. He married Carole Ann Noland on December 18, 1955. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Carole; son Stephen McClarey of Arthur; son Phillip (Angel) McClarey of Madison, Wisconsin; daughter Kathy (Mel) Howard of Newark, Ohio; daughter Eileen (Nick) Lawless of Jacksonville; grandchildren: Ryan, Brittany, Jennifer, Philip, Tim, Breanna, Nurlan and Alina; and greatgrandchild Matthew.

John received a bachelor's degree in sociology from Millikin University in 1959, then later a master's degree in U.S. History from Illinois State University. He taught history and sociology at Edinburg and Cerro Gordo public schools for most of his career along with stints at Lincoln Land and Richland Community Colleges. After retiring from teaching, his art career flourished and this has been well documented in numerous other places.

By any measure, John was an extraordinary individual with interests spanning history, philosophy, theology, science, genealogy, literature, and the arts. In every endeavor he searched for deep meaning and relevance. He inspired us all with his passion and vigor to make a difference and this continued to the very end of his life. Many knew John through his Abraham Lincoln sculptures and other works of art sprinkled throughout numerous communities in Illinois and indeed, throughout the world. With every art piece, John had a story to tell. Art became a platform to disseminate a message he felt should be told again and again. He believed fervently that all men truly are created equal, and he believed in the "better Angels of our nature", a refrain (taken from A. Lincoln's first inaugural address) he often employed to illustrate that our "better angels" were the key to living in a moral universe of compassion and cooperation. He never tired of explaining Lincoln's legacy. This became his life's work.

John’s art doesn't reveal the entirety of this gifted man. He was first and foremost, a devoted and loving husband to Carole and a generous and committed father to his four children. John often recalled stories of his dad "going down the hill with him" on the sled when he was young. And indeed, John always went down the hill with his kids. When they stumbled he grieved, and when he saw them go through trials and tribulations it impacted him deeply. John never despaired, never gave in to negative comments or narratives, showing only quiet strength and resolve. He had a vast repository of poems, verse, and sage advice from the ancients that he regularly quoted in order to enlighten and uplift. Such wisdom generally found its way into birthday cards with John's signature ending, " 30/40/50 years of love from Dad/Grandpa...", and often tailoring his message to the specific gifts and talents of each family member.

Many people wouldn't know this otherwise serious and thoughtful man was such a jokester and prankster. John had a repertoire of jokes and stories to illustrate the humorous side of human nature and it was not beneath him to pull a jocular prank. As a youth, he and his brother Jim prepared with Superman cape and all to jump off a low bridge over a creek, but after prodding his brother to go first and after witnessing the inevitable swift drop into the creek, John fled the scene laughing uproariously at his brother's gullibility! (A few different but always humorous versions of this childhood tale still circulate!). While John's kids were in school, they often won awards at Halloween for most original or creative costumes that John made of paper mache (a full body witch doctor mask, a costumed mouse caught in a giant mousetrap!). Carole put up with the baking (and the mess!) of the paper mache costumes in her oven.

John found endless fascination with the marvels of nature and what nature had to teach us. Indeed, he believed that science and technology could tap the resources of nature to solve humankind's most pressing problems including pollution and our need for clean energy. Relaxing near his art studio barn, he observed the intricacies of the swift flighted sparrow and their ability to communicate and hold perfect dive-bombing formations with a precision exceeding anything humans have achieved. He believed that understanding and appreciating our natural world held the keys to human advancement and even to our very survival as a species.

Throughout his life, John continued to search and probe and question and refine his conclusions. His thirst for knowledge was insatiable. He often cited A. Lincoln's words that his mind was like a "steel trap" and that once an idea took hold he could not let it go. Likewise, John also had an incredible mind, inquisitive to be sure, but also a deep well for knowledge of an astounding depth, breadth, and variety. If ever he couldn't remember something or if he was working on a solution to a problem, he would point to his head and say, "let me put it in the computer", and often within moments he would recall information with uncommon clarity and detail.

As a high school teacher for many years at Cerro Gordo, John's goal was to make history come alive for his students. He started an "Old Game's Day" that recreated a variety of medieval era games and activities. This became a welcome respite from textbook learning for the entire school. He wanted us to understand that history impacted who and what we are today and that our heritage had real meaning and significance. He believed passionately that each of us plays an important role in furthering the story of our country. And, on a character note, John's rural Tennessee roots kept him humble, and although he relished the recognition for his art and his efforts, he was never boastful. Honest Abe had nothing on John. His word was his bond, pure and simple.

Finally, on a very personal level, John played hard with his boys, never taking it easy with them on the basketball court, challenging them on long hikes, sailing and capsizing their "yacht" on Lake Decatur, canoeing adventures, pushing their limits always. Memorable moments came from these adventures including songs that reverberated for a lifetime (Sloop John B, Old Mary Don't You Weep Don't You Mourn). In raising his daughters, John encouraged them to tackle challenging tasks, ensuring they engaged in hands-on experiences like getting their hands dirty with yard work which equipped them with skills they now cherish as adults. Building a snowman together was taken to new heights with the creation of a buffalo standing out as their masterpiece. Fond memories were had of John playfully swinging his daughters around to squeals of delight, and all the while demonstrating great tenderness. With his wife, Carole, he relied on her steady confidence and counsel. And together they had 68 remarkable years together. On long road trips there was always much music with John, Carole, and the four kids singing rounds and practicing harmonies. Family gatherings closed in song with "God be with you till we meet again".

It is with deep sadness that we write this final chapter in the life of this remarkable man. With fond and tearful memory, we recall Dad strumming simple chords on his ukulele and singing "Edelweiss". Our family joined him in singing "blossoms of snow may you bloom and grow, bloom and grow forever ...".

We join him still in song, and love. Forever.



In lieu of gifts or flowers, donations may be sent in memory of John McClarey to:

Illinois State Historical Society

411 East Monroe, P.O. Box 1800

Springfield, IL 62705-1800

(217) 525-2781

-or-

Central Christian Pre-School Scholarship Fund

650 W. William Street, Decatur, Illinois 62522

(217) 428-4336