Jerry Dale McClain, the son of Harold “Sandy” McClain and Muriel (Whitmore) McClain, was born in Audubon County on July 8, 1949 and died March 11, 2024.
Jerry grew up in “West town” and attended Exira Community Schools. On December 21, 1967, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. During his tour of duty he was trained as a radio operator, Jerry volunteered to serve in Vietnam and was assigned to the 1st Marine Reconnaissance Battalion near Da Nang. He served as a radio operator and recon team patrol leader, eventually attaining the rank of sergeant. Jerry was honorably discharged on December 3, 1970, and returned to Exira.
On April 3,1971, Jerry was united in marriage to Kristi Akers at the Exira Christian Church. They were blessed with three children; Cheyenne, Bridy, and Shawn.
For part of his life, Jerry worked mainly in the construction field and later started his own construction business. He operated McClain Construction for several years but eventually retired for health reasons. Jerry was a member of the American Legion for several years and also served on the Exira Fire Department, retiring after servicing over 40 years of service as Assistant Chief. Throughout his life Jerry enjoyed woodworking, target shooting, fishing, hunting, trapping, metal detecting, and working on cars. He also enjoyed educating his kids and grandkids, sharing technical skills and life stories.
Preceding Jerry in death were his parents Harold and Muriel McClain, his sister Mary Lou and husband Paul Froelich, brothers Jim McClain and Kenneth “Skeeter” McClain,his father-in-law and mother-in-law Harold and Doris Akers.
He is survived by his wife Kristi McClain of Exira, son Cheyenne (Michelle) McClain of Bellevue, Nebraska, daughter Bridy Shepard of Ankeny, Iowa, son Shawn (Jimmy) McClain of Waukee, Iowa, brother Gordon McClain and wife Cindi of Johnstown Colorado, his sister-in-law Donna McClain of Kimballton, Iowa, his brothers-in-law Mike Akers and wife Lori of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Todd Akers and wife Angel of Colorado Springs, Colorado, his grandchildren Owen, Evan, and Maddy Shepard of Ankeny, Iowa and Chandler, Carter and Camden Short of Bellevue, Nebraska along with many other nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
The family will have a private service on Saturday afternoon, March 16, 2024, followed by a public visitation from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at the Kessler Funeral Home in Exira, Iowa. Interment will be in the Exira Cemetery in Exira.
The Honorary Pallbearers will be the members of the Exira Fire Department.
The casket bearers will be Mike McClain, Greg Baier, Mark Baier, Owen Shepard, Evan Shepard, and Drew Baier.
