Wilfred J. McClary

Wilfred J. McClary

Wilfred James McClary, 88, of St. Peters, Mo., formerly of Austin, Minn., passed away Feb. 14, 2015, at home in St. Peters. He was born March 28, 1926 in Spring Valley, Minn., to Myrtle (Guy) and James Carroll McClary. He was married to Virginia Renspie Nov. 16, 1945, in San Diego. He graduated from Spring Valley High School in 1944 and entered the U.S. Navy the following September. He served as a Seaman First Class on the destroyer USS (Captain) Kidd during the invasion of Okinawa in World War II. He was employed at Hormel Food Corporation from 1949 until he retired in 1985. He was a charter member of Fellowship United Methodist Church where he was active in many capacities. He was a lifetime member of American Legion Post 91 and VFW Post 1216. His hobbies included dancing, fishing, woodworking, gardening and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Surviving him is his wife, Virginia, of St. Peters; daughters Cheryle ( Dale) Walker of Rapid City, S.D., and Linda Watkins of St. Peters; grandchildren Tara (Brad) Arnold,
Cory Walker DO, Autumn (Brian) Massey and Eric Walker. Great-grandchildren include Anna and Isabelle Massey, Jillian and Seth Arnold, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister and one brother.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the USO or the charity of your choice.