Obituary
John Robert McClelland, born on Dec. 23, 1944 left this world he called home on March 8, 2024. John was preceded in death by his granddaughter Andrea Beenken, his daughter Trina Lipka, his parents Telford and Maxine McClelland, his in-laws Alfred and Hettie Schell, and his great nephew Drew. John leaves behind his wife, sister, daughter, son-in-law, grandsons, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.
At the age of 19, John joined the US Air Force. During his time in the military, he served in the Vietnam War, learned valuable skills, and developed lifelong relationships. John also served 10 years in the US Air Force Reserves. John was a proud member of the American Legion Post 347 in Lady Lake, Florida, the “Largest Post in the World.”
In 1965, John married the love of his life, Betty “Louise” (Schell). These two lovebirds enjoyed an amazing 58 ½ years together and shared countless memories. John became a father in 1966 when Louise gave birth to their daughter, Trina Louise. Three years later in 1969 Louise gave birth to their second daughter, Jonna Renae. Together John and Louise’s love grew even stronger as they experienced the joy of raising their family first in the Kansas City area and then in Nuevo, Calif.
Their daughter Trina Louise married Philip Lipka and gave John and Louise their grandson Tanner Joe Lipka on September 2, 1998. Trina Louise left this world on August 9, 2021.
Their daughter Jonna Renae married Kevin Beenken (whom they love as a Son) and gave John and Louise a grandson Corren McClelland Beenken on January 1, 1991. They also gave them a granddaughter, Andrea Renae Beenken on June 3, 1994. Andrea Renae left this world on September 30, 1999.
After raising their children, John and Louise sold their home and moved on their boat for 12 years of fun. In 2002 they moved back to the midwest. In 2007 they moved to the Lake of the Ozarks where John realized his love of fishing and gardening. They moved to The Villages, Fla. in 2021 where John renewed his love of golf, met wonderful neighbors, and enjoyed life to the fullest.
John was extremely considerate of others and a very thoughtful man, with great integrity who truly spent his life keeping happy. The world has lost a one-of-a-kind husband, father, grandpa, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend but Heaven has gained a wonderful man that will truly be missed.
A note from Louise,
On the day of March 8th I took John for a wheelchair ride on our patio so he could see the new flower box with a trellis and the decorated fence posts with Easter baskets. Later he said he just wanted to stand up so I assisted him, he put his arm around my waist, took my hand and said “I just want to have one last dance”. I recited the words to our favorite song, May I have this dance for the rest of my life? Could you be my partner every night? When we’re together, it feels so right. Could I have this dance for the rest of my life? He said “Yes” and I knew he was happy.
John. I was his caregiver for two weeks and it was a pleasure to take care of him, Rest In Peace.Mr John.
Phyllis