Gary Wayne McLain

April 9, 1959 – February 15, 2026

Gary was born to Darryl and Leora (Parkhurst) McLain in Bethany, Missouri, on April 9, 1959, and exchanged his old, worn-out earthly body for a new one when he met his Savior face-to-face on Sunday, February 15, 2026.

Gary met the love of his life, Debra Polley, and was fortunate enough to make her his wife on February 23, 1980. The couple has two children, Cody Wayne and Salena Nicole.

Gary was passionate about music and learned to play the mandolin around age 6 and quickly progressed to master almost every stringed instrument. He was particularly fond of old country and bluegrass genres. Gary and Debra joined Jim Hunsucker and his daughter, Becky, to form the bluegrass gospel group called "Simply Gospel". Gary, his father Darryl, Uncle Dean, and Gary Provost were frequently found making music somewhere, calling themselves The Wheel Hummers.

Gary worked at Johnson Controls as a Project Engineer for nearly 25 years. After retiring, he enjoyed driving farm trucks during harvest.

Gary and Debra also enjoyed deer hunting together. His love of hunting and shooting turned into their participation in black powder shooting competitions. which ultimately led to their participation in the yearly Matthew Quigley Buffalo Rifle Match held in Montana.

Gary was filled with recollections of events of many people, from childhood friends, co-workers, and family, and could tell a story with humor and attention to detail, which usually left everyone laughing. He was also a member of Mt. Moriah Baptist Church and, more recently, of the Victory Baptist Church in Albany.

Gary was preceded in death by his father, Darryl McLain; siblings Ronnie McLain and Sheryl McLain-Johnson; son-in-law, Nate Brazzell; mother-in-law, Jannette Polley; and brother-in-law, Jess Guldner.

Left to mourn his passing and to celebrate his life are his wife, Debra, and children Cody (Jodi) and Salena (Jay) and grandchildren: Kaylee, Callie, Hannah, Carson, Emma and Audrey; mother Leora McLain; sister, Connie Guldner and father-in-law, Bryce Polley, brothers and sisters in law, Bryan & Linda Polley and Mike and Ann Russell ,as well as a large extended family and friends and his dog, Hondo.

Memorial Service: 2:00 PM Thursday, February 19 at the Roberson-Polley Chapel, Albany. The family will receive friends 1:00 - 2:00 PM on Thursday prior to the service. Inurnment will be in the Grandview Cemetery at a later date. Memorial Contributions: Victory Baptist Church in care of the Roberson-Polley Chapel, 403 N. Hundley, Albany, MO 64402. Online Condolences: www.robersonpolleychapel.com