Phillip J. "Pastor Phil" McClain's Obituary
“The most important thing in the world is to get the Gospel out and to see God touch lives. To this, I commit my entire life and energy.”
– Handwritten note taken from Pastor Phil’s personal bible
Phillip J. “Pastor Phil” McClain, age 81, was welcomed home to his Savior and Lord Jesus Christ on Tuesday, September 19, 2023 while in the presence of his loving family. He was born October 28, 1941 in Muskegon to Willis and Barbara (Anderson) McClain and lived in the area all of his life. During the drug crisis in the 1960’s, Pastor Phil started witnessing about Jesus Christ to troubled teens at Seyferth Park and Bronson Park in Muskegon which would become his life’s passion. Pastor Phil later founded Western Michigan Adult & Teen Challenge in Norton Shores, where he devoted his entire ministry to saving souls for Christ for over 50 years. He is survived by his loving wife, Michelle A. McClain; 9 children and their spouses, Rhonda (Kenneth) Combs, Roxane (Richard) Evans, Ron (Michelle) McClain, Renee (Daniel) Harrell, Robin (David) Chadwell, Rachelle (Mike) Wildey, Ryan (Heather) McClain, Rose McClain, Randall McClain; 2 generations of grandchildren; and the McClain siblings and their spouses. He was preceded in death by his first wife in 1980, Janet (Kubicek) McClain. A Funeral Service will be held 11:00 AM Tuesday, September 26, 2023 at Central Assembly of God, 896 Home St, Muskegon, MI 49442 with Rev. Jeff Bonzelaar officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Please consider donations to Western Michigan Adult & Teen Challenge (www.wm-tc.com/) . Arrangements handled by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St, Norton Shores, MI 49444. Sign the online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com
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