James “Red” McLain
James “Red” McLain, age 88, passed away on December 14, 2025, at his beloved farm, surrounded by his family.
Red was born on December 26, 1936, at home in Fulton County, Arkansas to James Luster McLain and Neva Emery McLain. He was raised along the South Fork River, where his love for the outdoors was formed early. Later, his family moved to southern Missouri in Howell County, a place that would become home for the rest of his life.
A lifelong outdoorsman, Red had a keen eye for a good horse and a good hound. At just 10 years old, riding horseback, he helped relocate his family, their livestock, and their livelihood to the southern Missouri farm he would care for faithfully throughout his life—a testament to his grit, responsibility, and devotion to family.
From 1957 to 1961, Red proudly served his country in the United States Navy.
In 1971, he built the family dairy farm, where he raised his children with the same respect for hard work, stewardship, and farm life that shaped him. After retirement, he continued working the land he loved, raising quarter horses, beef cattle, and coon hounds—several of which went on to become champion coon dogs.
Hunting was one of Red’s greatest joys, especially coon hunting with his close friends Ken, Fred, Dewey, Rex, and Tex. Those friendships and shared nights in the woods were among his most cherished memories. He was a gifted storyteller with the ability to weave people, places, and moments into lasting memories.
Above all else, Red’s children were his first priority. He was a deeply loved and cherished father who taught them the value of a dollar, the importance of a strong work ethic, and the joy found in the simple things of life. His legacy lives on in the land he tended, the animals he raised, the lessons he taught, and the family who loved him dearly.
James “Red” McLain will be remembered for his quiet strength, steady faithfulness, and lifelong devotion to family, land, and way of life.
He was survived by three children, Andy McLain and wife, Bobbie, Mark McLain and wife, Nancy, and Lynn Tackitt and husband, Michael; seven grandchildren, Katie Vetter and husband, Troy, R.J. McLain, Madi Cowell and husband, Ethan, Tate Brand and wife, Michelle, Sydney McLain, Jakob Tackitt, and Maggie Tackitt; two great-grandchildren, Annalou Mae Vetter, and Hollyn Cowell; one beloved sister, Sharon Butler and husband, Randel, and many nieces and nephews.
His parents, one son, Preston McLain, one sister Pat Claridge, and infant brother Boyce McLain preceded him in death.
A visitation will be held from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, December 26, 2025, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. A private burial will be at State Line Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to State Line Cemetery, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri.