Jewel Kenneth “Kenny” McClure

February 17, 2025
Jewel Kenneth “Kenny” McClure Jewel Kenneth “Kenny” McClure

Mr. Jewel Kenneth “Kenny” McClure, 80, of Rusk, Texas, passed away February 17, 2025 surrounded by his four children.
Kenny was born in Jacksonville, Texas on November 14, 1944 to Jewel Marsh and Dorothy Black McClure. 
Kenny was the son of a preacher and a teacher. He moved frequently in his childhood making friends wherever he went. He was known for his friendly nature. From the time he was a child he had a horse, this love of horses continued for his entire life. He gentle trained horses and shared his love of horses with his family and anyone he met. 
He was married to the love of his life Barbara, and together raised a beautiful family. Kenny was a devoted husband, and spent every waking moment with Barbara. The legacy of love he leaves behind will be felt by his children and their children and their children’s children. One example of this love, Kenny would leave poems on the dining room table for his wife Barbara. The poems always started with “roses are red, violets are blue”. The casket spray reflects the poems with the use of roses and violets. As a father, Kenny spent countless hours coaching, playing, coloring and spending time outdoors with his children. Kenny and Barbara loved taking the grandchildren to festivals, markets, parades, and other events.
When speaking of Kenny, people often say that he changed their life. He was a peacemaker, an encourager, and a devout Christian man.
Kenny is preceded by his wife of 47 years Barbara and his parents. 
He is survived by son Kenneth Almond “Ken” McClure and wife Billie Jo McClure; daughter Tania “Millie” McClure, daughter Angela “Angie” Berry and husband Stephen, daughter Tamara “Tammy” Greene and husband Chad. Grandchildren Elizabeth “Libby” Berry and husband Lucas, Jack Berry, Kelsey MaQuar and husband Braydon, Colton Greene and wife Sarah, and Caden Greene.   
Granddaddy's Great-Grandchildren: Harrison and Francis Greene, Josette and Beaux Jewel-Michael MaQuar. Bonus great-grandkids Ty, Karlie, Masyn, Straton, Kyleigh, Harlee and Easton. 
Siblings Dwain McClure, Dottie Norton, and Johnny McClure.
A time of visitation will be held Thursday, the 20th at 10 AM at First Baptist Church Rusk, Texas. Funeral services will follow First Baptist at 11 AM, Bro. Brian Givens officiating. Interment will be at Cedar Hill Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Chad Greene, Stephen Berry, Colton Greene, Jack Berry, Braydon MaQuar and Lucas Osborne.
Honorary pallbearers are Jerry Mayes, David Grogan, Philip Powers, Ronnie Travis, Harold Shephard, Dwain McClure, Johnny McClure, Andrew Sunday School Class, and the Rusk High School 1963 football team.
The family would like to thank his special caregivers Diana Magers, Mollie Dafft and the entire staff of Compassionate Care, Kara Northern and the staff of Kindful Health Hospice.
Services are under the direction of Wallace-Thompson Funeral Home.