ONAGA – Merlen Paul McClain, 86, of Onaga, passed away on Thursday, October 20, 2022 at the Onaga Health and Rehabilitation Facility in Onaga.

He was born on March 5, 1936 at Soldier the son of Samuel and Iva Murrel Murren McClain.  After high school he worked on bridge construction and ran a bulldozer and other heavy equipment. He was drafted into the U.S. Army and was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, and then was sent overseas to Germany.

Merlen worked for Onaga Truck & Tractor as a mechanic for twenty years. He then partnered with Roger Graf and started Onaga Ag & Auto.  He worked there for fifteen years until his retirement.

He married Edna Neukirch on October 18, 1958 in El Dorado.  She survives, of the home.  To this union five children were born.  Donna (Mike), Sam (Jane), Mike (Lisa), Dan (Peggy), and Les (Chanele), seventeen grandchildren, twenty-two great grandchildren and one great-great grandson.

Merlen will be cremated and a family burial will be held at a later date.  Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Onaga is assisting the family.