Robert McClelland

Robert Alexander McClelland III, USN (RET), age 89, passed away Tuesday, June 4, 2013 with three of his five children by his side. He was born Dec. 2, 1923 in Dwight, IL to Robert Alexander McClelland, Jr. and Fredrica Maurine Bragg. After graduating from Dwight High School, he attended the University of Illinois and was a member of Theta Chi fraternity. The following year he was accepted to the United States Naval Academy from which he graduated in the class of '46. After serving on the "USS Alabama" in Bremerton he attended flight school in Pensacola, FL He received a second degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the US Naval Post Graduate School in 1953. From Purdue University he received a Master of Science Degree in Industrial Engineering in 1954. He was a proud member of VP-45 and enjoyed telling stories of his adventures as a sea plane pilot. His career in the US Navy took him from Panama, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Florida, California and finally to New Mexico where he worked at Naval Weapons Evaluation Facility until his retirement in 1965. After working at JTF2 in civil service, he again worked at NWEF until his retirement in 1986. He enjoyed camping and fishing trips with his wife and children as well as hunting with his sons. Never one to sit still for long, he was always looking for something to repair or improve upon at his home and the homes of his children. He was an active member and served in leadership roles in the German Shepherd Dog Club, the Predators Club, and St Peter's Anglican Catholic Church. He loved his country and was proud to raise the flag daily at home and every Sunday at church. Both he and his wife of 61 years, Ellen Paine Nichols, enjoyed their retirement years traveling in their trailer for months at a time with their dogs across the USA and Canada as well as to Alaska. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, their young son, Robert Alexander McClelland IV, and his sister, Jean McClelland of Los Alamos. He is survived by his children, Ann M. Jost and her husband, Robert of Farmington, NM, Alice M. Roche and her husband, Steve of Albuquerque, Robert A. McClelland and his wife, Laura of Frankfort, IN, Philip G. McClelland and his wife, Janice of Caballo, NM, and Scot P. McClelland and his wife, Gerri Duran of Albuquerque; grandchildren, Michael Jost, Heather Armes, Jennifer Masawa, Steven P. Roche, Jr., Melissa R. Pool, Amy Waggoner, Robert Alexander McClelland IV, Dr. Maggie M. Lasley, Nikki Dictson, Kelli McClelland, Philip G. McClelland, Jr., Scot P. McClelland, Jr., Carmen McClelland and Magdelena McClelland; great-grandchildren, Sydney Pool, Brett, Emily, and Lucas Waggoner, Kylie and Logan Dictson, Rylie Stewart, and Jayden McClelland. Robert will be remembered as a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather. Without exception, he demonstrated integrity, honesty, and devotion. He and his charismatic smile will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Services will be held Saturday, June 8, 2013, 2:00 p.m., at St. Peter's Anglican Catholic Church, 8100 Eubank Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87122. Interment will take place at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given in his memory to St. Peter's Anglican Catholic Church.