Alvie A. McClain

Alvie Alfred McClain, 88, of Poteau, OK went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, October 15, 2012 while at the Talihina Veterans Center.  He is preceded in death by his first wife of  55 years, Juanita; one son; brother, Delbert McClain and 3 sisters, Mary, Irene, and Lorene  Alvie was born September 2, 1924 in Alex, OK to Kobe & Willie Mae (Stanley) McClain.  At the age of 17, while living in Dallas he joined the Marines.  He served in the Pacific fighting the Japanese island by island.  He helped in the clean up action at Guadalcanal.  He survived the war although he was hit by machine gun fire and lost his left leg and had injuries to his right shoulder.  After receiving the Purple Heart and Bronze Star, he was discharged and came home to Summerfield  where he raised cattle.  As a Marine Alvie was proud of the Marine flag with the rattle snake emblem and “Don’t Tread on Me” which means, ‘if you step on me you are going to get hurt’ and that was his attitude.  Alvie was a boxer and always said he never lost a fight but did receive a lot of blows.  Alvie was one of the original founders and a life member of the Disabled American Veterans, Chapter #63 of Poteau.  He served in various positions, loving the position of Chaplin the most.  He also served as the State DAV Chaplin and got the name of Chaplin Alvie “Padre” McClain.   Because he loved his military time he also a life member of the American Legion.  He is and was a HERO of the the World War serving his country giving “some as others gave their all”.

Alvie is survived by his wife, Mildred of the home; son Bruce and wife Yueqiu  McClain of Poteau, OK; daughter, Brenda & husband Matthew Escalante of Poteau, OK; 3 grandchildren, Eric, Jenny McClain and Tony Escalante; 2 great grandchildren, Kayden & Brooklynn Escalante; sisters, Louise Brown of Stockton, CA and Betty Franklin of Prairie Grove, AR; brother, Charlie Sanders of OR and unknown numbers of fellow veterans and friends.

Services will be 10 am, Thursday, October 18, 2012 at the First Free Will Baptist Church, Poteau with Rev. Barry Reel and Rev. Jim Cook officiating.  Interment will follow at 1 pm, in the Fort Smith National Cemetery.