Michael Edward McClellan

Michael Edward McClellan, 81, died peacefully in his home Friday, May 30, 2025, in Abilene, TX. Michael was a devoted son, husband, father, and grandfather, and a faithful servant of God. He was an avid reader and a relentless purveyor of dad jokes. Michael was always happiest at home with his house full of family.

Michael was born in Denton, TX on January 10, 1944, the second of three children. Michael grew up in Denton, San Angelo, Lake Dallas and Whitesboro, TX, graduating from Whitesboro High School in 1962. After high school, Michael enrolled in North Texas College and joined the Denton Fire Department as a student fireman where he fought fires alongside his uncle until he received his college diploma in 1966. After completing his undergraduate degree, Michael entered the United States Army. He completed his basic and advanced infantry training at Fort Jackson, SC. Michael was then assigned to Fort Benning, GA where he chose a German shepherd named Achates as his scout dog. Michael and Achates trained and deployed together to Vietnam as part of the 44th Infantry Platoon, Scout Dog. After Vietnam Michael returned to Denton, TX, briefly working with the fire department again before marrying Sharron (Hinton) on August 25,1968 and starting his teaching career at Strickland Junior High. During their time in Denton, Michael and Sharron welcomed Eric and Kristin into their family and Michael completed his graduate education, earning a Masters then a PhD in education.

The McClellan family moved to Austin, TX where they welcomed their son, Brandon. While in Austin, Michael joined the Texas Army National Guard in 1978. In 1979, Michael began a job teaching Elementary and Secondary Education at Hardin-Simmons University. Within a couple of years Rachel completed the family. Michael spent the next few decades as an educator in Abilene, teaching at HSU, McMurry University and Cisco Junior College.

After moving to Abilene, Michael transferred to the United States Army Reserves where he received a direct commission with the 490th Civil Affairs Battalion. During his time in the reserves, Michael deployed to Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1996 in support of Operation Joint Endeavor. He served his last few years in the 490th alongside his son, Brandon. Major McClellan retired from the Army Reserves in June of 2001.

Michael was deeply committed to service within his community, particularly to the welfare of children and to his church family at First United Methodist Church. Michael and his wife Sharron worked with children from Hendrick Home for Children for more than two decades. In his last decade, Michael qualified as a CASA and worked hard to advocate for the young people to whom he was assigned.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents William Gober and Ruby McClellan and his sister Mary Ann McClellan. Michael is survived by his wife of 56 years, Sharron Elaine (Hinton), children Eric (Amy) McClellan, Kristin (Jim) Ashby, Brandon McClellan, and Rachel (Larry) Walders. He is also survived by his grandchildren Dylan Cheek, Daniel, and Deric McClellan, Katherine, James III, Madeleine, Zaidee, and Quinten Ashby, and Abigail and Westin Walders. He is also survived by his twin sister Margaret (Robert) Earnest and numerous nieces and nephews.

A visitation is planned for Wednesday, June 4, 2025 from 6 - 8 p.m. at Piersall Funeral Home. Michael will be celebrated at a memorial service June 5, 2025 at 2 p.m. at First Methodist Church in Abilene, TX. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Hendrick Home for Children or Ben Richey Boys Ranch.