The Honorable, Keith J. McClarnon, 84, Greenfield, died Thursday, May 8, 2014. He was born Oct. 29, 1929, in Hancock Co., to the late Russell D. “Bill” and Mary Williams McClarnon.
Keith was a 1947 graduate of Greenfield High School and attended Butler University. He served in the Indiana National Guard and married Joanne R. Carr June 28, 1950, who preceded him in death March 29, 1997. Keith was employed with Eli Lilly & Co. from 1949 until 1953, and he and Joanne were the owner/operators of Carr-Mac’s clothing store in Greenfield from 1953 until 1977.
Keith, a lifelong Democrat, became a member of the Hancock County Council from 1968 until 1971. He then became the Mayor of Greenfield, in 1976, and served 5 consecutive terms, retiring in 1996. During his time in office, Mayor McClarnon was a founder and board member of Indiana Municipal Power Agency (IMPA), the “Sister Cities Program” with Kakuda, Japan and the “Regreening of Greenfield” Program.
Keith was a longtime member of Bradley United Methodist Church, where he was a member of the Methodist Men’s Club, Elks Lodge #1720 where he served as a past Exalted Ruler, a charter member of Hancock County Historical Society and Toastmasters, and a past president of the Greenfield Kiwanis Club. He was inducted into the 2013 Greenfield Central High School Alumni Hall of Fame, received the “Grand Rooster” from the Hancock Democratic Party in 2011, the “Sagamore of the Wabash” from Gov. Frank O’Bannon in 1995, Greenfield Chamber of Commerce Service Award in 1995 and the Les Barr Greenfield Historic Landmarks Award.
Keith is survived by his devoted children, Marciann McClarnon Miller (Tom), Kevin McClarnon (Lois), Karry Kathleen Book (fiancé, John Hansberry, III), K. Shawn McClarnon (Portia) and Kelly McClarnon (Tracy); twelve grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Bette McClarnon, Eileen McClarnon and Jeanne McClarnon; dear friend, Mary Jane Grier; and several nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death were Keith’s brothers, George, Fred, Thomas and Russell McClarnon and sister, Kathleen Dudley.
Visitation will be 3-8 p.m. Monday, May 12, 2014, at Erlewein Mortuary & Crematory, 1484 W. US Hwy. 40, Greenfield, IN. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 13, 2014, at Bradley United Methodist Church, 210 W. Main St., Greenfield, with visitation two hours prior. Pastor Linda Brackney will be officiating. Burial will follow at Park Cemetery in Greenfield.
Memorial contributions may be made to Bradley United Methodist Church 210 W. Main Street, Greenfield, IN 46140 or Boys & Girls Club of Hancock County, 715 E. Lincoln Street, Greenfield, IN 46140.
Friends may share a memory or send a condolence at www.erleweinmortuary.com or email condolences to [email protected]
