Dennis McLain

Dennis James “Denny” McLain, 68 of Mattoon, IL died at 4:15 pm, Sunday, October 14th at Mattoon Healthcare after a valiant 6 month fight with cancer.

Dennis was born November 30th, 1949 to William James and Rethel Justine (Hines) McLain in Mattoon, IL.

He married Barbara Ann Boyer August 3rd, 1984 in St. Louis, MO. She survives.

Also surviving are his siblings Darlene Riney of Mattoon, Vesta “Susie” McLain of Charleston, Roger (Marsha) McLain of Humboldt, Barbara Helfrich of Hammond, two sisters in law, Nadine and Cathy Boyer of Charleston, and several nieces and nephews, and grand nieces and nephews. Also surviving is his beloved furchild, Peaches.

Dennis was predeceased by his parents, an infant sister, Linda, and two brothers in law, John Riney, and “Pat” Helfrich, and a sister in law Bonnie J. Zachow, and two beloved furchildren, Honey and P.D.

Denny was a member of the Mattoon High School Class of 1968. After high school,                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     he was employed for 10 years at Blaw-Knox Construction Co. After leaving B-K, he started a career as a professional over the road truck driver for Sam Tanksley Trucking out of Cape Girardeau, MO. He went on to drive for local trucking companies, including Risinger Brothers, Alton Delivery Service, ADM Trucking, and Reynolds Nationwide, Inc.  Dennis, along with Joe Ethridge of Charleston, also taught a truck driving class at the Springfield, IL State Fair Grounds, through Eastern Illinois University.

In accordance with his wishes, Dennis will be cremated and there will be no services. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to SBL Regional Cancer Center, or SBL Lincolnland Hospice.

The Edwards Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.