Robert L. McLain, 81, of Rockford, IL, formerly of Poplar Grove, IL died Wednesday evening, December 17, 2014 in Swedish American Hospital after a short illness. Born December 11, 1933, in Belvidere, IL, Son of Fredrick and Thelda (Weeks) McLain. Robert graduated from Belvidere High School and went on to join the Army in 1954. He married Sandra Lee Thorton on April 25, 1964 in Rockford, IL. She preceded him in death in 1967. Robert was a firefighter for 28 years. He was a member of Clan Maclaine of Lochbuie (IL commissioner), Illinois St. Andrews Society, and was a trustee for the Belvidere Fireman's pension fund for 26 years.
He is loved and will be missed by his children, Kevin (Brenda Douglas) McLain of Belvidere, Karen McLain of Rockford, Alan (Julie) McLain of Rockford; grandchildren, Phillip, LaNora, Bradley, Rebecca, David, Logan, Micheal, Kyle; great-grandchildren, Aiden and Robert; sisters, Rose Wylie of Belvidere, Nancy Bonar of Rockford; several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Sandra Lee Thorton; brother, James A. McLain.
Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, December 22, 2014 at Anderson Funeral and Cremation Services at Buck-Wheeler-Hyland Chapel, 218 W. Hurlbut Ave, Belvidere, IL, 61008 with Rev. Dan Schenck officiating. Visitation will be held from 5-9 p.m., Sunday, December 21, 2014 at the funeral home. Burial will take place in Belvidere Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the family. To light a candle or share a condolence, please visit www.AndersonFCS.com