Obituary of William McLain

William 'Bill' McLain, 83, of the Iowa Veterans Home died Monday, August 2, 2010. Bill was born on October 26, 1926 in Cincinnati, OH to parents Floyd and Hallie (Cantrell) McLain. Bill was raised and educated in Whitwell, TN. Bill enlisted in the Navy at age seventeen and served his country during WWII at the Battle of Okinawa. Bill honorably served his country for 8 years. On April 6th, 1947 Bill was united in marriage to Phyllis Kreitman at Arlington, VA. The couple made their home in Bassett, NE where they raised their three children. They later divorced. In 1985, Bill was united in marriage to Marvella at McKinney, TX. Bill was employed as the Water Commissioner of Bassett, NE, and later as the Water Commissioner of McKinney, Frisco, and Pottsboro, TX. He was a life member of the VFW. Bill was also a 50 year plus member of the American Legion in Bassett. NE. He also generously volunteered nearly 25 years to the Bassett Fire Department and EMS. Bill was an avid bowler and square dancer. He loved to travel, operate his Ham Radio, and was a friend to everyone he met. Bill will be greatly missed by all who knew and continue to love him. In death, Bill has rejoined his parents, his wife Marvella, and his brothers: Charles McLain and Jerry McLain. Left to celebrate Bill's life are his children: William L. (Patricia) McLain of Marshalltown, IA, Beryl (Paul) Streff of Stillwater, MN, and Warren (Carol) McLain of Sioux Falls, SD; nine grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren; his sisters: Dorothy Ladd of Louisville, KY; Shirley (Jim Tom) Roberts of Whitwell, TN and Patricia (David) Ivey of Hixson; his brothers: Roy McLain of Memphis, TN and Robert McLain of Jasper; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. A celebration of Bill's life will be held at 6 PM on Saturday, September 11, 2010 at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home in Marshalltown, Iowa. There will not be a visitation. He will be laid to rest in the Iowa Veterans Home Cemetery at a later date. Announcement by Legacy Funeral Home and Cremation Center.