Olen Dee McClain was born October 30, 1930, in Plainview, Texas to Clyde and Anna McClain. He died in Oklahoma City on September 25, 2019. Olen attended public schools in Plainview, Texas and graduated in 1949. He played football and was the co-captain of the team. He was also voted the Best All Around Boy of his Senior Class. He married Wilma McGuire on December 19, 1948 at the Plainview Church of the Nazarene where their families both attended. In March of 1952 he volunteered for the Army Artillery where he served in the Korean War. His son, Lewis, was born while he was in Korea. Olen was honorably discharged December, 1953 with a rank of sergeant. Upon returning to civilian life, he lived and worked in Plainview, Texas. The family then moved to Big Spring, Texas, where he worked until he felt the need for a college education. So, in the summer of 1956 they moved to Bethany, Oklahoma where Olen attended Bethany Nazarene University (now SNU). With the help of the GI Bill and a great job at Needler Frozen Food (across the street from the university), he finished college in three years. He graduated with honors, receiving an AB Degree in Business and Religious Education. After graduation, Olen moved his family to Albuquerque, New Mexico to help a brother-in-law open a new business. After that job was completed in the summer of 1960, they moved back to Bethany. One day he met D.D. Kirkland, who was the superintendent of the Putnam City School District. After Olen expressed an interest in education, Mr. Kirkland suggested he make an appointment with him. Olen was then hired as a 6th grade teacher at a new school that was opening (Windsor Hills Elementary). He taught there for more than 7 years. In the 1967-68 school year he was honored as Teacher of the Year for the Putnam City School District. During that time, he took classes at OU for an Elementary Teaching Certificate and a Masters of Teaching Degree at Central State University. Olen and his wife, Wilma, also managed the Twilight Motel in Bethany. In his 8th year of teaching, he was asked to become the principal at Overholser Elementary. He served 3 more years at Overholser, 2 years at Apollo Elementary, 5 years at Kirkland Elementary, and 7 years at Rollingwood Elementary. During his time at Rollingwood, at the beginning of the 1984 school year, there was an explosion and fire in the library caused by a gas leak. Fortunately, the children were out of school for Fair Day and no one was injured. The year was spent in rebuilding the library which was opened the following year with a plaque over the door reading "Olen McClain Library," which was given by the Rollingwood PTA. He retired from the school system in 1986. After a year of fishing and tutoring, Olen returned to the work force, working for over 20 years in various capacities at Local Federal, which is now IBC Bank. That was his second retirement. Then he worked 7 years as Receiving Clerk at Southern Nazarene University. Third retirement. Olen was a man of grace, servanthood, and character. His son, Lewis, said, "He was the best dad a son could ask for. I will always remember our fishing trips to Lake Overholser, as well as early mornings and nights laying out in the backyard drinking chocolate milk and looking at the stars." Olen was preceded in death by his mother and father, Clyde and Anna McClain; his two brothers, Harold and Wayne; and his two sisters, Edna and Ann. He is survived by his wife, Wilma; his son, Lewis and wife Rita; grandchildren, Curtis McClain and Aubree (Josh) McKamie; great-grandchildren, Ronan and Darby McKamie; sister, Neva (Richard) Borchardt; and many nieces and nephews. Special thanks to the fantastic staff at Legend memory center, Encompass Health Rehab and Valir hospice for all their support and help. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bethany First Nazarene after-school program. Viewing will be Friday, 9am-9pm, with family present from 6-7pm at Mercer-Adams. Funeral services will be Saturday, September 28, 2019, at 1:00pm at Bethany First Church of the Nazarene. Visitation with Family Present Mercer-Adams Chapel Friday, September 27, 2019 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM 3925 N. Asbury Bethany, OK 73008 Viewing Friday 9am-9pm at Mercer-Adams Funeral Service Bethany First Church of the Nazarene Saturday, September 28, 2019 1:00 PM 6789 N.W. 39th Expressway Bethany, Oklahoma 73008