Harold Eugene "Butch" McClure

Freeman Spur- Harold Eugene "Butch" McClure, Jr, age 70, of Freeman Spur, passed away at 9:05pm on Tuesday, April 23, 2013 at Herrin Hospital with his family by his side.  Earth’s loss will be Heaven’s gain. Harold was born in Herrin on May 29, 1942, the son of Harold McClure Sr. and Anna Belle (Shirley) McClure.  He married Vada Sue Wallace in Plumfield on May 5, 1963.  She survives in Freeman Spur. From this loving union, came two sons- John and Michael. As a young man, Butch worked at Humphrey’s Farm in Freeman Spur. He later became a maintenance mechanic and machinist working at Allen Industries in Herrin and retiring from Intertape Polymer in Carbondale in 2007. Mr. McClure was a member of the Calvary Bible Church in West Frankfort. Butch had various interests and talents. He was an accomplished mechanic and carpenter and could make, fix, or build just about anything.  He enjoyed watching Nascar races and had interests in classic cars and motorcycles.  He was one of the last real woodsmen.  He built muzzle loaders and participated in Living History events.  He was a knowledgeable fisherman, trapper, and hunter.  He loved teaching people about his interests, especially when preaching the Gospel. He was a minister of the Gospel for the past twenty years. He enjoyed spreading the love of Jesus in several different local churches.  Some of this favorite experiences were with the lake ministry he shared with his wife and friends, Don and Janice Fisher, at Little Grassy Lake and a missionary trip to Wyoming with friends Dale and Sue Ann Smith.  He simply loved sharing his faith in God to everyone. Butch is survived by his mother- Anna Belle McClure of West Frankfort; his wife- Vada McClure of Freeman Spur; two sons- John Harold McClure and wife Tammy of rural West Frankfort and Michael Eugene McClure and wife Dale of Thompsonville; Grandchildren- Jacob McClure of Freeman Spur, Rebecca McClure of Freeman Spur, Tabitha Morris of Energy, Matthew Morris and wife Christina of Akin, John Kelso and fiancé Sarah Barnard of Thompsonville, Monica Kelso of Benton, and Tiffani Barger and husband Kelly of Harrisburg; Great Grandchildren- Hunter Morris, Anna, Cameron, Della, James, Hunter, Kayleigh, and Alyssa; Sisters- Margaret Hammonds of Herrin, Maxine Hall of Herrin, Gloria McReynolds and husband Jack of West Frankfort; Brother- J.D. McClure and wife Bev of Freeman Spur; Nieces and Nephews- Gaila and Darrell Ridgeway, Terry and Susan Hammonds, Vicki and Leon Null, Marla and Danny Shy, Lori Hammonds, Tommy Gulley, James and Becky McClure, Bill and Beth McClure, Scott and Elsie McClure, LaDonna and William Vaughn, Samantha McClure, Jessee and Kellie McClure, Steve Parini, Jeff Walker, and Le Ann Persinger; Several  Great Nieces and Nephews; Lots of Friends and Special Neighbors including Donna Dare and Vincent Talluto. He was preceded in death by his father- Harold McClure, Sr. and his brother- William “Billy” McClure. Funeral services will be held at 11am on Saturday, April 27, 2013 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin with Brother Doyle Mills and Rev. Don Colson officiating.  Burial will follow at Egyptian Memorial Gardens in Energy.  Visitation will be held from 5-9pm on Friday, April 26, 2013 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin. For more information, or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.hughesfuneralhomes.com