David Dwight McClain passed away Sunday, April 11, 2021 after a courageous 10-year battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis. He was born on March 14, 1947 in Huntley, Montana to Fred and Gladys McClain. He was raised on Pryor Creek, and had much fun on the farm. He did his schooling at Huntley Project graduating in 1965, and this is where he met the love of his life Marilyn Babcock. They were married on June 17, 1967. They moved to Abilene, Texas, as he was stationed there in the United States Air Force as a C-130 mechanic. In 1969, daughter Amy was born, and Dave left for duty when she was two weeks old. He would serve proudly for two years. Upon his return from Vietnam, Dave and Marilyn moved home to Billings. Daughter Marcy was born in 1972. In 1973, Dave and Marilyn and their new family would move to Helena. Dave was hired as an assistant manager for Gibson’s department store. After Gibson’s, Dave worked at Rock Hand Hardware as a store manager. He opened his own store in East Helena, the OK Hardware Store. He and Marilyn ran the store until 1989. He then returned to Rock Hand as the Store Manager. He then was hired as a manager of Power Townsend. He worked at Power Townsend until his health required his early retirement.
Although he was very proud of his accomplishments in his career, nothing made him happier than the love of family. Dave supported his daughters in their many activities, sports and life events. He was often found outside with his girls playing basketball in their high school years. He enjoyed quiet drives in the mountains surrounding Helena, with Marilyn. He also enjoyed taking his grandkids camping, fishing and hunting. He could often be heard laughing and teasing the neighborhood kids, as well as members of his family. Summertime trips to waterparks gave him the nickname “Big Wave Dave”. Dave was known for his smile, laugh and lighthearted nature by all. All these memories will be cherished by those left behind.
David was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Gladys McClain, Brother James, In-laws Bill and Virginia Babcock, and infant twin grandsons Michael and Dwight Ahles.
Dave is survived by his wife of 53 years Marilyn McClain, sister Betty Novak, Daughter Amy (Ryan), Daughter Marcy (Rick), Son in law Tom Ahles, five grandchildren: Dillon, Dalton (Mariah), Nathan Delaney, Taylor and Grant Ahles and great-granddaughter Madison Delaney.
A Service for Dave will be held July 23, at 2:00pm at Anderson, Stevenson, Wilke funeral home at 3750 N Montana Avenue, Helena, MT. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you give a donation to Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:00 p.m.
Friday July 23, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the service
Friday July 23, 2021
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:00 p.m.
Friday July 23, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the service
Friday July 23, 2021
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
William & Joanne Cummins says
Marilyn and family; Our sincerest condolences to all of you in your loss. Prayers of comfort are being sent to you.
Eric and Trudy Erickson says
We first met Dave through the East Helena Hardware Store, and followed him to Rock Hand. His wonderful smile and personality will be greatly missed.
Mickey Kunnary says
Marilyn, Amy and Marcy-
I was so sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. I was so fortunate to work with him for those years at Rock Hand to get to know him. He was like a second father to me and was so fun – we had a lot of laughs. After I left Rock Hand, I always enjoyed going to Power Townsend to get flowers in the spring since I usually ran into him. Prayers and hugs for all of you. God bless your family.
Susan Maki says
I will never forget how kind Dave was to me when I took a spill outside of Power Townsend, he helped me into the store, got me a chair and made sure I was okay to drive home. Marcy showed genuine kindness ,too, when she helped my son , Mike, when he was being bullied when they were still in high school. What a loving family.