Clifford T. McLain

“As it is written: There is none righteous, no, not one; …for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” “ A limb has fallen from our family tree.” God called Clifford Thomas McLain home to Glory on March 18, 2023.Clifford joined his loving family on April 4, 1941, in Chester, PA as the youngest of six siblings. Cliff’s older siblings showered him with attention, affection, and “lots of love.” Shortly thereafter, Clifford found himself in Shiloh Baptist Church, with his mother, Martha, who knew the importance of “training up a child in the way he should go.” (Proverbs 22:6). Therefore, early in life, Clifford frequently attended church services, where he learned to sing and serve the Lord throughout his life. In fact, he would grow up to become a deacon at Shiloh, sing in Shiloh’s choir, and serve Holy Communion to his fellow parishioners that were sick & shut in. Clifford wed Helyn Evans in 1983 and they were married for 40 years. Clifford was educated in the Chester-Upland Public School system, and graduated from Chester High School in 1959. Immediately, after graduation he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served four years. While serving in the Marine Corps, Clifford was awarded a good conduct medal and he earned both: a pistol marksman badge and a rifle sharpshooter badge. Clifford’s weapons training served him well during his tenure as a Military Police Officer. (Transition)This was when he gained his first experience in the field of law enforcement. Additionally, Clifford was stationed in Europe and Puerto Rico where he had the opportunity to experience the culture, customs, and lifestyle of living internationally. He obtained the rank of Corporal prior to receiving an Honorable Discharge from the United States Marine Corps in 1963. Immediately, Clifford transferred to the United States Marine Corps Reserve. Clifford began his civilian work career in 1964, as an employee of the Scott Printing Company in Eddystone, PA. The Scott Printing Company closed one year after employing Clifford. However, the thought of earning money and being independent was a very exciting experience and Clifford soon gained new employment with the Scott Foam Rubber Plant in Eddystone, PA. Feeling blessed to have a new job Clifford remained a valuable and reliable employee of the Scott Foam Rubber Plant for eight years until he decided it was time for a professional career change. As fortune would have it, his career change resulted in him joining the Chester Police force, where he served until retiring in 2002. Clifford's Military Police service in the United States Marine Corps was instrumental in him being hired by the Chester Police force as an Officer in the city’s juvenile division. Moreover, Clifford came from a family background where children were nurtured and encouraged to be successful, so he used this experience as a focal point to change the lives of young people who entered the juvenile justice system. He believed that young people, with the right guidance, could change direction and accomplish any dream that they set their hearts and minds to. Clifford’s favorite pastime was serving at Minaret Temple #174, Chester, PA where he achieved 32nd degree Mason status. Clifford’s daughter Valerie McLain- Richardson blessed him with two beautiful grandchildren whom he absolutely loved and adored. His deceased daughter Valinda McLain, encouraged him to seek Christ first and let his light shine so that others could see God’s will. His daughter Stacia Parker often told him “This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.” He is preceded in death by: mother Martha McLain; brother Rochell McLain; brother Ross Jones; sister Maryetta Jones; brother James Jones and deceased daughter Valinda McLain. He is survived by: Wife, Helyn M. McLain, Sister, Laraine Banks Daughters: Valerie Richardson(Lamont); Dionne Norman, Stacia Parker, Carmen Witcher, Jennine Evans Sons: Paris Witcher, Kenneth(Mark) Witcher, Jr. Grand Children: Alycia Burks, Aliyah Burks, Zaynah Evans, Sean Norman, Brandon Norman, Great Grand Children: Paige Evans, Quamir Norman, Le’Yonnah Norman. And a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

Clifford T. McLain

April 4, 1941 - March 18, 2023