John McClain

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. -- John Wilson McClain passed away Thursday, June 22, 2023, at the age of 86.

He last resided in Desert Hot Springs, but before then, John had long stretches of good living in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, and Cape Girardeau. While he never crawled through the air ducts of Nakatomi Plaza, he did patrol the aisles of the Cape Girardeau Kmart store as manager for 18 years during his more than 35 years with the Kmart corporation, until his retirement in 1994.

John served in the U.S. Army and helped raise two children, Jason and Joey, who survive him.

However, any summation of John's life cannot be deemed complete without mentioning his partner in marriage for 52 years, Myra Jean "Mikie" McClain, who preceded him in death Sept. 13, 2021.

If you asked John, his greatest accomplishment was providing for and caring for Mikie, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1988, but survived and thrived for many years due to his love, affection and diligence for all things related to her health. He took time to travel with her by cruise to Alaska, took her many times back to her hometown of LaCrosse, Wisconsin, and explored the Desert Southwest with her by his side as long as they could manage. After Mikie's passing, one of John's favorite conversation topics was Mikie's smile that he missed so much.

He is also survived by his sister, Mary Sue Rowlett of Kansas City, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, the family urges donations to Palm Springs Animal Shelter, where his daughter, Joey, gives her time and energy to help care for cats, and where he loved to visit the cats and kittens.

Rose Mortuaries & Cremation in Desert Hot Springs assisted the family.