Christopher McClain

Christopher William McClain, 77, of Boonsboro, Maryland passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, April 30, 2021, surrounded by his family. He was the beloved husband of 42 years to Peggy McClain.

Born on February 25, 1944, in Lancaster, PA, he was the son of Reverend William Foster McClain and Frances (Fulmer) McClain. Chris was raised in Latrobe, PA and then State College, PA. He graduated from the State College Area High School in 1962. He continued studies at both The Pennsylvania State University and the University of Maryland.

Although Chris worked from an early age, his professional 35 year career was with the State of Maryland working first as a Residential Tax Assessor and then as a Commercial Tax Assessor. By the end of his career he was the Commercial and Industrial Supervisor for the entire state of Maryland. Chris served two appointed and commissioned five year terms as a member of the Washington County Property Tax Assessment Appeal Board.

Chris was a long time active member of the Mt. Nebo Methodist Church in Boonsboro, MD. He had a lifetime interest in the Scottish bagpipes and began lessons when he was 45 years old. He was a member of the John F Nichol Band, Towson, MD. During high school, his interest and skill in wrestling won him the PIAA State Championship (1962) and was inducted (2011) into the District 6 Wrestling Hall of Fame.

We will remember Chris as a loving, courteous, respectful man with a great sense of humor, great wit, and always a twinkle in his eye. He was very good at lighthearted practical pranks. Chris enjoyed everything Scottish and was able to tour Scotland with family. Chris started reading at a very early age and continued as an avid reader throughout his life, reading everything and anything within arm’s reach. Chris had so many interests and so many personal accomplishments. Think it, plan it, do it. He wanted to live in the woods in a home he built. He made it happen. He wanted to build a boat. He made it happen. His love of cars started when he bought his first car at age 16. His Rivieras were his favorites. Starting at an early age, Chris was an avid fan of Penn State wrestling and also followed Penn State Football.  He and Peg had almost 30 years of great adventures criss-crossing the country in their RV. They went at a slow pace enjoying the camaraderie of camping and the many splendors of this great nation. His goal was to visit the libraries of the Presidents that were serving since his birth, 1944. He also wanted to camp overnight in all the states in our nation.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by three sons, Brian McClain and wife Michelle, Owen Garland and wife Traci, Brian Garland and wife Shannon.

Chris was the oldest of five children, and is survived by his four younger sisters, Cathey McClain Finlon and husband Dick, Mary McClain O’Hora and husband Jim, Anne McClain, and Elizabeth McClain Stradtner. He was blessed with four grandchildren, Madisen Garland, Claire Garland, Fisher Garland and Gabrielle McClain. He was also the uncle to Davin O’Hora and Matthew O’Hora. He was great granddaddy of two.

He was preceded in death by his son, Brady McClain.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 5, 2021 at Mt. Nebo United Methodist Church, 134 South Main Street, Boonsboro, Maryland.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at ww.staufferfuneralhome.com