Roland Malcolm “Mac” McClanahan, a longtime resident of Shelbyville, Indiana, passed away at his home on March 24, 2005, at the age of 79. Known widely for his warmth, humor, and extraordinary commitment to community service, Mac lived a life marked by generosity, leadership, and purpose.
Born on December 8, 1925, in Rosholt, Wisconsin, Mac was the son of Ernest McClanahan and Genevieve (Brekke) McClanahan. He graduated from Rosholt High School in 1944 and later attended Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, where he met his future wife, Ruth Lorraine McClanahan (Strand). The couple married in 1947 and shared 56 years together.
Following his marriage, Mac earned a Bachelor of Science in Commerce from DePaul University in Chicago, where he was a member of Alpha Delta Sigma, the National Advertising Fraternity. He proudly served in the United States Navy during both World War II and the Korean War.
Mac owned McClanahan Sales, a manufacturing-equipment representative firm specializing in automotive rebuilding equipment, and traveled extensively throughout the Midwest. During the mid-1960s, he and his wife also owned Mary Carter Paint franchises in Indianapolis.
He was active in numerous civic and service organizations, including the Automotive Booster Club of America, Murat Shrine, Scottish Rite, Masonic Lodge, Eagles Club of Shelbyville, The 500 Club, The Chanters, Shelbyville Lions Club, American Legion Post 70, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Elks Club.
Mac received many honors for his service, including designation as a Kentucky Colonel, Distinguished Hoosier, Leadership Award Recipient, and Community Service Leader by the Rotary Club of Shelbyville.
Later in life, after surviving multiple heart attacks, Mac led a statewide fundraising effort to equip sheriff’s vehicles with portable defibrillators, helping save lives throughout Indiana. He considered this work among his most meaningful contributions.
Sources
- Published obituaries from Shelbyville-area newspapers, March 2005
- Family records and compiled genealogical documentation
- Civic organization histories and Rotary Club records