Jeff McClarren had a unique combination of entrepreneurial spirit, care for others, love of the outdoors and beach days, cooking, and a passion for genealogy. He supported his family in every activity and loved making connections thru genealogy. Jeffrey K. McClarren, 58, of Gahanna and former Galion resident passed away unexpectedly, Thursday, June 28, 2018 from a recent heart ailment.
He was born April 28, 1960 in Mt. Gilead and was the son of Donald B. and Sandra J. (Swartz) McClarren.
At an early age, Jeffrey acquired an interest in collectibles and antiques with his Grandma Mac. As a child and into his adult years, he helped his family church, Peace United Church of Christ, volunteering at the Morrow County Fair Dining Hall.
Jeffrey attended Galion High School and graduated from Merritt Island High School in 1978. After attending the Florida Institute of Technology, he owned and operated a Kissimmee, Florida store specializing in collectibles. Jeffrey moved back to the Galion area where he owned Buckeye Builders Supply and was a member of the First United Church of Christ. After Hurricane Katrina, Jeff sold his business and moved to the Gulfport, Mississippi area to help the community rebuild. Following his time in Gulfport, he lived in Gahanna, Ohio until his death.
Throughout his life he loved working with children to create positive experiences and help navigate life challenges. In both Florida and Ohio, he volunteered with the foster care system, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and Friends of Crawford County. This led him to adopt two sons, being one of the first single parent adoptions in the State of Ohio. He loved taking his boys camping and visiting the family.
He is survived by his parents, Donald and Sandra McClarren of Nashua, New Hampshire; son Matthew J. (Kristie) McClarren of Cleveland; six grandchildren Katelyn, Natasha, Makayla, Makenzi, Kieran and Claire; brother Eric (Joy) McClarren of Bucyrus; sisters Andrea McClarren of Long Branch, New Jersey, Alyssa (Brent) Lewis of New Albany, Amy (Casey) Pugh of Woodinville, Washington and Amanda (Kevin) Ouellet of Lowell, Massachuestts; nieces Monica, Jessica, Redick, Emery and Finley; nephews Reece and Harrison; several great nieces and nephews; aunts and uncles; a chosen aunt and uncle; cousins; kissing cousins and friends.
He is preceded in death by a son, David M. McClarren.
The family will receive friends from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 3, 2018 at Richardson Davis Chapel of Snyder Funeral Homes, 218 South Market St. Galion, Ohio 44833 where a funeral service will be held Tuesday at 5:00 p.m. with Larry Cawley officiating. Burial will be in Iberia Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Lifeline of Ohio or Together We Rise in care of the funeral home.