Ivan H. Mcclanahan

Ivan H. McClanahan, age 88 of Maryville, passed away Wednesday, December 29, 2010, at his home. He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Jean Giles McClanahan; son, Jimmy Ray McClanahan; parents, Sam M. and Nola Goddard Davis McClanahan; sister, Troy McNeilly; brothers, S. M. McClanahan and J. H. McClanahan, Sr.; also half brothers, Fred, Herman and Roy Davis; half sister, Ellen Tittsworth. He was a member of Mount Lebanon Baptist Church since age 13 and a member of Rockford Masonic Lodge 469 in excess of 50 years. He served in World War II with Battery “B” 959th F A BN, originally the 191st F A, a local Tennessee National Guard Unit which was mobilized in February, 1941. With this unit, he fought in campaigns in Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Central Europe and Ardennes (the Battle of the Bulge). During World War II he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for valor, The American Defense Medal, Good Conduct Ribbon, EAME Theatre Ribbon with 5 bronze stars, Rifle Marksman Badge and Expert Carbine Badge. At retirement in 1966, he was given the Army Commendation for 23 years of meritorious service. In 1999, he was awarded the French Medal commemorating his participation in the Normandy landing and further participation in the battles across France. He attended Porter High School and was in the class of 1940, but did not receive his diploma until later. He earned an Associate Degree from the University of Maryland in Baltimore in the field of Investigational Procedures which included legal principles and an introduction into criminal law as well as perimeter security. He rejoined the U. S. Army in 1950 and served during the Korean and Vietnam Wars until his retirement in 1966 with a total of 23 years of military service. The last 12 years were spent as a Special Agent, U. S. Army Counter Intelligence with overseas assignments in Germany, France and Korea. Stateside assignments included the field offices in Atlanta, Nashville, Knoxville and Resident Agent in Johnson City. He is survived by his daughter, Mary Frances and husband Dennis Christopher of Vonore, TN; grandson, Stephen Christopher of Anchorage, AK; granddaughter and husband, Kelly and Watson Hawkins of Knoxville, TN; grandson, Anthony Christopher of Knoxville, TN; great grandchildren, Kelsey Christopher of Maryville, Caitlin Christopher of Anchorage, AK, Logan Christopher of Maryville; sister-in-law, Ann McClanahan (Mrs. S.M.) of Maryville; and special friend, Connie Akins of Maryville. He leaves a host of friends and loved ones who will miss him and mourn his passing. He never met a person he could not talk with and usually did. Family and friends will meet at 10:00 a.m. Saturday at Sherwood Mausoleum Chapel for a graveside service with Rev. Ron Martin officiating. The entombment will follow in the Mausoleum. The family will receive friends from 6-8:00 p.m. Friday at McCammon-Ammons-Click Funeral Home. McCammon-Ammons-Click Funeral Home, 982-6812 www.mccammonammonsclick.com