Merlene McClellan

Graveside service for Merlene McClellan will be 10:00a.m., Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at Chelsea Cemetery. A memorial service will be held at 1:00p.m., the same day at Asbury Church, Tulsa, Oklahoma. Friends may visit at the funeral home on Tuesday, July 30, from 1pm-7pm, with family receiving visitors from 5pm-7pm. Merlene passed away on Saturday, July 27, 2024. She was 88.

Merlene was born on July 24, 1936, in Chelsea, Oklahoma to Earl and Rena Mae (Kilpatrick) Evans. A proud alumna of Chelsea High School's class of 1954, Merlene was known not only for her beauty but also for her spirited personality which shone through as a majorette during her school years. In November of 1962, she married Larry Allen Thomas, accompanying him on his military postings to Newfoundland, Georgia, and Florida. After his military service, they lived in Stillwater, Oklahoma and for a short time in Michigan. 

 Merlene's life was defined by her unwavering commitment to her family. After the passing of her first husband Larry Allen Thomas in 1974, she relocated her family to Tulsa where she worked in her father-in-law’s medical practice. In 1977, Merlene married Malcolm “Mac” McClellan. Later they co-founded McClellan Marketing, an insurance agency.

Merlene poured her heart and soul into caring for her children, ensuring they never wanted anything. Her home was always filled with warmth and love; a place where freshly baked cookies awaited them after school.

Outside of work and family life, Merlene found solace in simple pleasures. She was an avid sports fan, cheering passionately for her beloved OSU Cowboys and St. Louis Cardinals. However, nothing brought her more joy than spending time with her children and grandchildren; attending every event they participated in and being their biggest supporter. Merlene loved to laugh, and she loved to have a great time. Her personality was infectious, although at times she could be a bit ornery. 

Merlene will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She is preceded in death by her parents Earl and Rena Evans, husbands Larry Thomas and Mac McClellan, siblings Wanda Layton, Erlene Evans Bogle, Bill Evans, and children Perry Sefton, Mac McClellan Jr., and Tori Dinkins.

 She is survived by a large and loving family including children Talleri Beck and husband Ray, James Thomas and wife Mardelle, Greg Thomas and wife Michele, Candy Bruton, Duncan McClellan and wife Irene, Melissa McClellan and Susan Reed, Corky Janisch and husband Steve, Jim Rabey and wife Jane; grandchildren Jacob Beck and wife Chastity, Joseph Beck and wife Madison, Ben Beck and wife Jackalyn; Megan Thomas; Taylor Thomas; Elizabeth Thomas; Drew Thomas; Derek Thomas; great-grandchildren Harper Beck; Abby Beck; Asher Beck; Maverick Beck; Henry Beck; Winston Thomas sister-in-law Teri Poreda and husband Bob and their sons Rob and Chris, sister-in-law Dana Bull and husband Steve; among many other relatives.