John Addison “Doc” McClain, 80, 807 Alhambra Ave., died December 2, 2003, in his home.

Mr. McClain graduated in 1940 from Kirklin High School.  He attended Dartmouth, Tufts and Butler universities.  He graduated from Purdue University’s School of Agriculture in 1949 with a bachelor of arts degree.  He earned a doctorate degree from Ohio State University Veterinary School in 1953 and returned to Clinton County to begin his veterinary practice.  He served in the U.S. Navy in the Philippines during World War II.

He was a Clinton County Commissioner 1996-2003.  He was a member of Frankfort Jaycees, Frankfort Moose Lodge, American Legion, VFW, Clinton County Chamber of Commerce, Clinton County Health Board, Standardbred Board of Regulations and race secretary and Clinton County Fair Board member more than 25 years.  He was a Frankfort School board member and president 1958-1966, a Little League coach nine years.  His professional organizations included Indiana Veterinary Association and John Purdue Club and a director of Hoosier Serum Co.

He was awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash Award, Pacer of the Year 1987 & 1988 (Hot Dog Dick) and Trotter of the year 1988 (Hot Dog Rocky).  He received the honor of the Most Improved Harness Track in Indiana, and the key to the City of Frankfort in 2003.

Mr. McClain was born January 15, 1923, in Clinton County to the Rev. Floyd Addison and Bertha Amelia Ziebarth McClain.  He married Carolyn Dunn in 1946 and she died in 1953.  He married Evelyn I. Egloff on July 7, 1954, and she survives.

Also surviving are three sons, Roger A. (Sue) of Frankfort, Kelly (Sara) of The Woodlands, Texas, and R. Todd (Tamera) of Katy, Texas; three daughters, Mrs. Greg (Karen) Miller, Suzanne L. Taylor and Mrs. Eric (Julia K.) Zurschmiede, all of Frankfort; one sister, Evelyn McDermitt of Elwood; 15 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.  One son, Steven, one daughter, Janet, one brother and one sister preceded him in death.

Services were held Saturday, December 6, 2003, in First Christian Church with the Rev. John Morris officiating.  Interment was in Green Lawn Cemetery, with military honors by Frankfort VFW and American Legion. Memorials may be made to the athletic booster club at any Clinton County school, or plant a tree in Mr. McClain’s memory.  Cards may be sent to the family of "Doc" McClain at: 807 Alhambra Ave., Frankfort, IN  46041

Note: A few years ago, when we were gathering information on the history of Indiana Harness Racing at various county fairs, Doc took the time to give us information about the Clinton County Fair.  He was certainly proud of his fair and the history of racing over the Frankfort, Indiana, oval.  Doc McClain will be missed by his friends in the Standardbred community and beyond. - READ HISTORY