Dr. John Philip McClure, 75, passed away Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at his home in rural Grundy County surrounded by his family.  Dr. McClure was born on March 31, 1938 at his family home in rural Grundy County to John Sparks and Letha (Shepard) McClure. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Joe Frank McClure.
Dr. McClure attended Trenton High School graduating in 1956 while working as the night bellhop at the former Plaza Hotel. Following graduation he went to work for the Rock Island Railroad in Eldon, IA serving as a brakeman and conductor. During this time he had two sons with his first wife. While working and raising his sons, he returned to school, graduating from the former Trenton Junior College and from Northeast Missouri State (now Truman State University) in Kirksville with a bachelor’s degree in Biology. In 1978 he graduated from the Kansas City College of Osteopathic Medicine and served a one year internship at the hospital in Kirksville. He then went to work as an Emergency Room Physician at Cameron Community Hospital where he met his wife the former Marilyn Pankiewicz. They were married in 1982 and have three sons. While at Cameron he served as the Emergency Room Director and later as a Family Physician in rural clinics in Jamesport and Hamilton. In 1995 he was employed by Wright Memorial/St. Luke’s Hospital as a family physician working in the Trenton and Jamesport offices. He was a member of the American Osteopathic Association and the Missouri Association of Osteopathic Physicians. He retired this past December.
Doctor Phil, as he was affectionately known, was also involved in farming his entire life. He had a lifelong passion for antique automobiles, classic tractors, and turn-of-the-century farm implements; many of which could be seen on display at Doc’s Museum which was located in Jamesport, MO. He has also been actively involved in historical and environmental preservation. He was a constant fixture at area car shows, tractor pulls and parades. He was a charter member of the Mid-America Packard Club and belonged to the National Packard Club. He was of the Baptist faith and a lifelong member of Mt. Pleasant #1 Baptist Church in Harrison County.
He is survived by his wife Marilyn of the home; five sons: Josiah Mark (spouse Sarina) of Brimson, John Matthew of Trenton, Luke Philip of Springfield, Adam Sparks (spouse Vanessa) of Trenton and Zachary Frank of Trenton; five grandchildren – Kristen Harper, Dr. Wyatt Pickering, Jacob McClure, Shelby McClure & Matti McClure and two great-grandchildren – Jayden McClure & Cayson Harper.
Open visitation will be held at Whitaker-Eads Funeral Home in Trenton beginning at 2 p.m. Thursday with family visitation from 6:30 to 8:00 on Friday. The funeral will be held at Mt. Pleasant #1 Baptist Church in Harrison County with internment to follow at the Willis Chapel cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the Willis Chapel cemetery, Wright Memorial Hospital and St. Luke’s Hospice.