David  McClellan
David  McClellan
David  McClellan
David  McClellan
David  McClellan

Obituary of David B. McClellan

Reverend David Boyd McClellan, 93, went to be with the Lord on February 20, 2023, at home surrounded by his family.  

Boyd was born May 21, 1929 in Martinsburg, WV to Marlin and Beatrice McClellan, premature at 7 months, weighing just 4 lbs.  He wasn’t registered at birth as he was not expected to survive. He was raised on the oven door and bathed in olive oil.  Marlin, his father, died of tuberculosis at age 27 when Boyd was 2 yrs old. Boyd’s twin sisters, Aline and Naline, died shortly after birth, and Boyd’s brother, Joe, died of tuberculous at age 19.  

Boyd sat first chair trumpet in the high school band, and preached at the local jail after school.  He attended Southeastern Bible College in Lakeland, Florida for 1 year, then transferred to Central Bible Institute, in Springfield, Missouri studying to be a preacher like his father.  While in college he played in a trumpet trio, and preached on the weekends.  After graduation, his first senior pastorate was in Valley Grove, WV.  

Boyd was playing his trumpet at a youth rally when he saw Louise sitting in the front row wearing a blue dress with white rolled cuffs and a white pill box hat. He pointed Louise out to his grandma, and said he was going to marry that young lady. Grandma replied, “Oh, you’ll never get her.”  1 ½ years later they were married.    He was an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God for 70 years with senior pastorates in WV, OH, and VA.  He retired in 1995, in 2002 he moved with Louise to Las Vegas, NV to be close to their daughter Dawn. 

From water rafting to jumping out of an airplane; from hang gliding from the top of a volcano to riding a roller coaster on top of the Stratosphere; from helping construct a church in Cuba to dental assisting with orphans in Sri Lanka, Boyd was always adventurous. He traveled twice to the Holy Land.  In his 90’s he continued to ride his bike and go to the gym.

Boyd loved his family.  When Dawn was in 7th grade, he made arrangements with the Summit Elementary School to open the gym at 6 AM every morning so Dawn could practice 100 free throws for her Hoop Shoot competitions.  He rebounded each one.  Every morning.  When Dorcas Fae was a senior at school, Boyd would drive her to school in the morning, pick her up at 11:00, take her to work, and pick her up at 5:00.   Every day.  David was in 5th grade when he got his first paper route.  Boyd took him the first day.  David couldn’t read any of the house numbers.  As a result, they found out he needed glasses, which resulted in better grades in school. Boyd had unconditional love for his children and enabled them to be successful. The kids credit their successes today in a large part to Boyd’s daily presence in their lives, his wisdom and his humor, his ability to make peace and find a way when there seemed to be no way.    

Boyd is remembered for his wonderful life and example, his faithfulness through the years, his commitment to the Lord and to his family and loved ones.  

Boyd is preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Louise.  He is survived by his three children, David McClellan (Patsy), Fae Hutchinson (Tim), and Dr. Dawn McClellan, 6 grandchildren (7 if you count the granddog Sammy), and 4 great-grandchildren.  

A Memorial Tree was planted for David
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at The Island Funeral Home & Crematory
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