June 30, 1929 - December 22, 2024
Gene William McClaren, of Enid, age 95, quietly and peacefully went to meet his Savior on December 22, 2024 after a short illness in Integris Hospital. He was surrounded by family. Born June 30, 1929, in St. Joseph, MO to William Cleo McClaren and Virginia Ruth Keller McClaren, he graduated from Atchison High School, Atchison, KS in 1947. Active in all high school sports, he found his athletic outlet as a male cheerleader, gymnast. At pep rallies and assemblies, the cheer squad would charge down the aisles of the auditorium and run up onto the stage. McClaren would thrill the students by avoiding the stairs and doing a double forward flip into a forward vault up onto the 6 foot tall stage.
Gene was the oldest of three children, Shirley McClaren and Robert McClaren. December 18, 1948, he married the love of his life, Billie June Kingsley in Grand Junction, Colorado. The newlyweds found a home in Lawrence, Kansas when Gene was hired in the shipping/receiving department of Hercules Power Company. They gave birth to their son, Steven Douglas McClaren in 1951. In 1959, the McClarens were transferred to Salt Lake City, Utah when Hercules joined the space race. While there, Gene was a part of the making of the solid fuel propellants required for the Poseidon, Mercury, Gemini and other early space programs. In 1959 both Gene, Billie and Steven received Christ as their personal Savior at Kearns Southern Baptist Church.
A gifted singer, Gene was soon leading music at the church and in demand for special music throughout the Salt Lake area. He served as deacon and song leader at both Kearns church and Granger Baptist church. He was active in committees in the Utah-Idaho Southern Baptist Convention. The McClaren’s were involved in the planting of many pioneer missions and churches in the northern Utah area including helping to create, sponsor and finance new churches in the African American community. Avid outdoors people, Utah was a perfect fit for Gene and Billie. Camping, hunting, and fishing were just some of his passions. He took his family on annual vacations touring all the states west of the Mississippi. In 1964 the McClaren’s were blessed by the adoption of a 6 month old little girl, Denise Jene McClaren. She quickly wrapped Gene around her Little finer and became her Daddy’s little girl, a tight family bond that endured to the end. As an adult, Denise moved to Seattle, WA, but they spoke to each other at least once a day.
Retiring in the 80’s, Gene and Billie moved to Bolivar, MO until she passed in 2011 after 63 years of marriage. Gene then moved to Enid. Active at Grace Bible Church, where Steve pastors, Gene was involved in Sunday School, Men’s Ministry and sang an occasional special music into his 90’s. Active and independent he was still driving himself safely around Enid and shopping on his own until this last illness.
He is greatly missed by his two children, Steve/Carol McClaren of Enid and Denise McClaren of Seattle; two granddaughters, Miste Curtis of Bartlesville and Lynna/Jeff Clark of Ponca City; 2 great grandchildren Mark/Lea Curtis of Nowata and Katelynn Clark of Ponca City; and 2 great, great grandsons, Lucas and Lane Curtis of Nowata. He was so proud of them all and loved them dearly.
He was preceded in death by parents, wife, brother and sister. Gene was cremated and a memorial service for friends, family and his Grace Bible Church family is pending.
Condolences can be made to the family online at Andersonburris.com. Honored to be recognized nationally, the past 6 years, for the Pursuit of Excellence award. Because family matters, let us take care of yours. We are proud to own the only crematory in Garfield county and ensure your loved one receives the care and respect they deserve while never leaving our care. Visit 3002 N. Van Buren, Enid, OK 73703. Call: (580) 233-2700.
