Ron McClure

Ron Curtis McClure, 61, of Bellaire, formerly of Holt, passed away on Saturday, January 16, 2021, at Meadow Brook Medical Care Facility in Bellaire.  He was born on February 7, 1959 in St. Charles, MI, the son of Stanley and Evelyn (Remainder) McClure who predeceased him.

Ron attended and graduated in 1979 from the Marvin E. Beekman Center in Lansing.  He worked for over 35 years at Airlift Corporation in Lansing as an Air Hose Manager and formed many long-lasting relationships with his coworkers. Representing Area 8 as a Beekman Alumni, Ron competed in Winter Special Olympics for over 40 years earning many medals and making new friends.  In 2017, he was honored to light the Olympic Torch at the 40th Anniversary of Special Olympics Michigan Winter Games. Ron was also honored to participate as a Torch Bearer as the lit torch traveled through Lansing, MI, and across America to the 2015 Special Olympics Unified Games in Los Angeles.

Ron wholeheartedly loved Jesus and was a devoted Christian who proudly served as a deacon in the Lansing Seventh-day Adventist Church.  He also enjoyed attending Camp Au Sable with his Beekman friends and is best remembered by staff and counselors for his rendition of Figaro echoing through the trees.  His huge smile and robust laugh will be missed.

His larger-than-life personality drew people to him, and he never met someone he didn’t love.  Ron took superb care of his parents and enjoyed being with his family and co-workers.  He faithfully read his Bible and Civil War books, listened to Reba and Johnny Cash, and loved watching John Wayne movies, Gunsmoke, and ‘Heavy Weights’.  He was a dedicated Detroit Tigers and Chicago Bears fan.  After moving to Bellaire, Ron enthusiastically attended activities at the Senior Center where he made new friends, took day trips, played Wii Bowling, exercised, and became a skilled artist.

Ron’s memory will be forever cherished by his two sisters, Marilyn McClure of Lansing and Brenda McClure Bartel of Bellaire; brother, Harvey Bartel of Alden; nephews Craig (Robin) Archambault, H.Brent McClure Bartel, Blake (Melissa) Bartel, and Brandon (Jamie) Bartel; nieces Michelle Knox and Deanna (Brian) Hutchins; several adoring great and great-great nieces and nephews; uncle, Donald C. Schlager; a host of loving cousins; and special friends, Chris & Annie Garlitz and Joe & Joyce Hoffdahl whom he loved dearly.

Our family would like to thank the AirLift Corporation family and Meadow Brook Medical Care Facility Staff, Bellaire, MI for their loving kindness and care.

There are no services planned at this time; however, Ron will be laid to rest next to his parents in Leek Cemetery in the Spring of 2021.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Area 8 Special Olympics, 290 Wabash Road, Lansing, MI 48910, or to Camp Au Sable, 5801 W. Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48917.

Arrangements are in the care of the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  Please sign his online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com