Kennith D. McLain, age 83, passed away on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at the Home of the Flint Hills, St. George, KS. He was born on July 12, 1940, to parents Donghaue David and Lorene (Bowline) McLain in Vinita, OK.
He spent his early childhood fishing and swimming at Grand Lake. He was an avid fisherman and caught many boatloads of fish.
Kennith graduated from Jay High School in Jay, OK, in 1958. He was a U.S. Army Veteran who joined in 1959 and fought during the Vietnam conflict.
He was rewarded with numerous awards and medals, including the Good Conduct Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal W/ Silver & Bronze Star, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry W/ Palm, Bronze Star Medal W/2nd Oak Leaf Cluster, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal W/ 1st Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Commendation Medal, and a Meritorious Unit Commendation. He fully retired in 1985 after serving 26 years and obtaining the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4 (CW4)
Kennith married Beverley (Hubert) McLain on January 7, 1961, in Tulsa, Ok.
He is survived by his wife, Beverley; two sons, Jon G. McLain, Manhattan, KS, and Kevin W. (Ellen) McLain, St. George, KS.; brothers Kyle (Teresa) McLain and Michael (Vicki) Inman; one sister, Deborah (Jim) Heard; grandchildren Morgan and Erin; and two great-grandchildren, Soren and Odin.
Kennith was preceded in death by his son, Jeffery David McLain; and two sisters, Connie and Kathy.
A graveside service with full military honors will be held at 1:30 p.m., Monday, July 8, 2024, at the KS Veterans Cemetery at Fort Riley.
Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Ave, Manhattan, KS 66502, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.