Robert Wales Mclain

Robert Wales McLain age 83 of Massillon passed away October 4, 2009. Robert was born and raised at Spring Hill Farm in Massillon and graduated Valedictorian of Washington High School class of 1944. He served In the U.S. Navy and saw action in the South Pacific. Bob received his B.A. in Economics from Kenyon College and was a member of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity. Bob worked at the McLain Grocery Company for 37 years and was the fourth generation McLain to do so. McLain Grocery started in 1884 and operated for 103 years in Massillon. In 1983 he became President and guided the company through its merger with Fleming Foods. While Bob was President he was awarded Man of the Year by Associated Grocers. In 1986 AGMR awarded Bob its highest award for outstanding leadership and loyalty in the grocery business. Bob served on the boards of Shady Hollow Country Club and The Massillon Heritage Association (The Massillon Women’s Club). He was the past President of the Charity Rotch School Foundation. Bob was a generous contributor to many local charities and supported the educational programs for Kenyon College. Robert was preceded in death by his parents Elizabeth Russell Wales and Robert Per Lee McLain and a sister Jane Webster. Bob is survived by his beloved wife Jacquie (Snyder) McLain with whom he shared 59 years of marriage. They have five children: Robert S. McLain of Canton, Gretchen Larman of Portland, ME, Susan & Peter Friedman of NYC, David & Jamie McLain of Demarest, NJ and Stephen & Diane McLain of Massillon; 10 grandchildren, Elizabeth, Jordan, Sam, Adam, Christopher, Jake, Taggart, Reid, Joel and Noah. He is survived by a sister and two brothers: Betsy Humes of Auburn, NY, Bill McLain Wyomissing, PA and Stephen (Margaret) McLain of Troy, OH. Memorial Service will take place Thursday October 8th at 4 PM at the Five Oaks Historic Home of Robert’s great grandparents, Walter & Flora McClymonds (The Massillon Women’s Club) 210 4th St. NE, Massillon. Friends are invited to call Wednesday from 5-8 PM at the Paquelet Funeral Home (1100 Wales Ave. NE, Massillon). Bob would appreciate contributions to: Massillon Women’s Club, Spring Hill Historic Home or the Massillon Salvation Army. Messages of support and sympathy can be sent to the family at www.paquelet.com. Paquelet – Massillon A Golden Rule Funeral home 330-833-3222