William Mclain

William Bill McLain, 83, of the Iowa Veterans Home died Monday, August 2, 2010. A celebration of Bills life will be held at 6 PM on Saturday, September 11, 2010 at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home. There will not be a visitation. He will be laid to rest in the Iowa Veterans Home Cemetery at a later date. For condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. The Mitchell family Funeral home is caring for Bill and his family, phone 641-844-1234. 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 in the Naval Chapel in Washington, D.C. 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. Left to celebrate Bills 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, Shirley Roberts, and Patricia Ivey; his brothers: Roy McLain and Robert McLain; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. In death, Bill has rejoined his parents, his wife Marvella, and his brothers: Charles McLain and Jerry McLain.