Thomas Joseph Mclain

Thomas Joseph McLain, 67, passed away on February 23rd, 2016 in Arlington, Texas. Tom was born May 24th, 1948 in Oakland, California to Oliver Clifton and Doreatha Babe McLain. His parents were hard working and caring. He has two older sisters and a younger brother whom he loves and respects. He grew up in Canoga Park, California, surfing and hanging with a group of friends who supported each other over the years. Tom joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at 12 years of age. He would later serve in many church capacities, including ward mission leader, family history consultant, elders quorum president, ward clerk and multiple bishoprics. At 18, Tom served the country he loves by joining the US Marine Corps. He later served as a radio communications officer during the Vietnam War. Tom attended college at BYU and Scottsdale Community. Tom and Mary Jane would raise their family in Utah and Arizona, eventually settling in Arlington, Texas. They made numerous ties and friendships in these places that have lasted a lifetime. It was in Arizona that Tom walked into a card shop and met Mary Jane Stout. He insisted on a first date, and within a year, they were married in the LDS Provo Temple. The next year they welcomed a son, a trend which would continue until their home was full of six boys and a daughter (whose little finger he immediately became wrapped around.) Tom cherished his role as a father and priesthood leader. He raised his sons to be loyal and strong husbands. He taught them, through example, how to be loving and gentle fathers themselves. Tom loved, instructed, and guided his children. He loved teasing and embarrassing his kids at every turn. He was always joking with them, making sure to leave them with a laugh. He found it a great privilege and honor to be a father to his children. They were, and are, his greatest joy. As a grandpa, Tom loved to tell fantastic stories to his grandkids. He had the majority of them convinced he could talk with the squirrels in the backyard. “Silly Grandpa” was often found playing on the floor with the kids, dressing up, or pulling them around in wagons. His daughter-in-laws and son-in- law felt respected, loved, and accepted by him from day one. The feeling was mutual. His love and admiration for his wife, Janie, filled his every hour. He spoke of her in the highest regards, and often joked that she would drag him into the Celestial Kingdom, kicking and screaming. It was his daily goal to make Janie laugh. He spent their marriage being so in love with her. Tom was loving, tender, and affectionate with Janie at all times. He constantly took all her worries away. Tom was her safe place. He treasured Janie, and their marriage, above all else. Of all the things Tom is known for, his love for his sweetheart and eternal companion is what reigns supreme. Tom and Janie brought each other infinite joy and happiness. Tom was a man of integrity and decency. He would enter a room without a drop of pretention but a bucket full of humor. He was humble and affable, someone you wanted to talk with and listen to. His dedication and devotion to the gospel grew exponentially throughout his life. His relationship with the Savior was steadfast and absolute. Tom spent countless hours studying his scriptures and learning about gospel truths. His commitment and dedication to the gospel was unconditional. Tom emanated joy and humor at all times. He shared his testimony whenever possible. The loss and pain we feel is deep and constant, and will be for the rest of our time here on earth. However, we know we will see him again. We anxiously await the day we get to wrap our arms around him, and never again have to let go. Tom is survived by his wife, Mary Jane Stout McLain. His children, Ty (Amanda), Nathan (Kelly), Clifton, (Sarah), Aaron, Chad (Jen), Todd (Page), Ariel (Eric), and Steven. His grandchildren, Zac, Ava, Grace, Thomas, Abby, Emily, Sarah, Allison, Luke, Levi, Alex, Alyssa, Leila, Brody, Brody, and Mazy. His siblings, Deena, Margorie, and Jonny. His in-laws, Alice, David (Cindy), Sharon (George), Ron (Glenda), and James (Lorie) Preceded in death by his parents, Oliver and Doreatha, his father-in-law, Delworth, and his brother-in-law Gordon. The viewing will be held this Friday, February 26th, from 6-8:00 pm at Wade Funeral Homes, 4140 W Pioneer Parkway, Arlington Texas, 76013. Funeral services will be Saturday, February 27th at 1:00pm at the LDS California Church Building 1500 California lane, Arlington TX 76015. Burial services will be Monday, February 29th, at 11:15 am at the Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway Dallas TX 75211. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to help with funeral and medical expenses through https://www.gofundme.com/u6rhhra4 Wade Family Funeral Home Arlington, 817-274-9233