Paul McLean

Mr. Paul William McLean, 77, of Galesburg, IL. died at home July 31, 2023. 

He was born August 17, 1945, in Galesburg, IL to Irvin and Sarah (Long) McLean. He married Sharon Joyce November 26, 1967 at Prairieland Baptist Church in Galesburg.

Paul is survived by one son, Paul David McLean of Geneseo, NY, and two daughters Chris (and Christopher) Lentz of Salem, OR and Sharon (and Zack) Hemmrich of Henderson, IL., 8 grandchildren amidst OR, FL, and IL, and a sister Darlene Magnison of Galesburg.  He was preceded in death by his parents, spouse, and a brother Irvin McLean.

Paul graduated from Galesburg High School in 1963 and enlisted shortly after in the USAF. He attended Carl Sandburg College, and obtained his Bachelor's degree in 1980 from Western Illinois University. He worked with Galesburg PD and later retired from Gates Rubber Company.  Paul continued to work as security, which he loved, at Cottage Hospital in Galesburg and East Peoria Walmart until finally retiring.  He bided his time shopping at his two favorite thrift stores Salvation Army and Goodwill looking for "that find".  He was a collector of any and all things, and always wanted to give back when he could. He was a supporter of the Wounded Warrior Project and Disabled Veterans of America.  He kept fighting for those that have served in the armed forces that were not receiving the mental health support they needed. He hurt with every veteran suicide he learned about stating that this is absolutely unacceptable.  He wrote to any and all politicians frequently trying to get them to vote for availability of psychiatric services for all veterans in need.  

Granting his wishes, he was cremated by Hinchliff-Pearson-West, and no services were held. Dad said, "If they couldn't be part of my life while I was here, I don't want them there after I am gone".  He always told it like it was. He also had a huge heart once given the time to get to know him. His family in OR will miss him dearly. 

Photo was taken by his favorite Western Illinois Home Health Care nurse, and she knows who she is. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date to be determined.  In Lieu of flowers, please donate to the Wounded Warrior Project, Disabled Veterans of America, or write your local congressman demanding support to help fight veteran suicide. 

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