Clarence “Junior” McLaren, age 96, of East Galesburg, Illinois, died at 3:02 p.m. on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family.
He was born on April 7, 1929, in Canton, Illinois, the son of Clarence E. and Wilmadene (Wright) McLaren. He attended Canton and Knoxville Schools, graduating from Knoxville High School. He then served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. He married Patricia Higgins on June 9, 1951, at the Knoxville United Methodist Church in Knoxville, Illinois. She preceded him in death on February 12, 2009.
Surviving are two sons: Kevin (Kim) McLaren of Germantown Hills, Illinois and Rex McLaren of East Galesburg, Illinois; five grandchildren: Joshua (Laura Jaegle) Dietzman of Peoria Heights, Illinois, Lauren (Daniel) McClary of Metamora, Illinois, Seth McLaren of Galesburg, Illinois, Shane McLaren of Galesburg, Illinois, and Trevor McLaren of East Galesburg, Illinois; two great-grandchildren: Weston and Ruby McClary; one sister, Mary Fahlund of Knoxville, Illinois. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and two brothers, Harold and Donald.
He worked for the former Gale Products of Galesburg, Illinois, head of the Machining Department, retiring after 38 years. He enjoyed woodworking in his shop at his home for many years. He was a die-hard CUBS fan, attending his first game in 1939.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 2 p.m. with a visitation from 1-2:00 p.m. at Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Homes & Crematory in Knoxville, Illinois. He will be laid to rest next to his wife in the Knoxville Cemetery, Knoxville, Illinois. Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warriors. Online condolences and/or expressions of sympathy may be sent through www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhome.com
