Weldon Edward McClane of Sadler, Texas, passed away peacefully at his home on May 21, 2026. He was surrounded by his loving family and just three days shy of his 102nd birthday. 

Weldon was born in Gainesville, Texas, on May 24, 1924, to Thomas and Jessie McClane. He attended Sadler high school through December of his senior year, but dropped out after Pearl Harbor was bombed, as many young men did during that time, to focus on joining the war effort. 

Weldon met the love of his life Leatrice June Cooper in high school and was married soon after. They were blessed with 4 children together: Linda, Vicki, Mike and Mark. 

Weldon was a true hero of The Greatest Generation. He enlisted in the Army in 1943 at the age of 18. He was the last surviving member of the 297th Combat Engineers, affectionately known as the Jackrabbits. 

During his military service, PFC McClane was among the brave soldiers who stormed the beaches of Normandy, fought in the Battle of the Bulge and helped liberate the French town of Gavray-sur-Sienne. His unit built and maintained the pontoon bridge near Ludendorff Bridge, one of the final crossings that helped secure the Allied victory. 

Despite being wounded by enemy fire, Weldon and his unit persevered, later helping to liberate the Nordhausen Concentration Camp, saving thousands of lives. For his bravery, PFC McClane was awarded the World War II Victory Medal, the American Theater Campaign Medal, the EAME Campaign Medal with five Bronze Stars, Good Conduct Medal the Purple Heart, and most recently the Congressional Veteran Commendation in 2025. Weldon was a humble man, but he served the country he loved with pride.

After the war, Weldon returned to Sadler and began a long career as a lineman at the Grayson Collin Electric Coop, where he eventually retired after over 30 years, having provided well for his family and making lasting friendships. 

Outside of work, Weldon was a lifelong Freemason. He was honored for 65 years of membership as a Master Mason of Lodge 536 in Gordonville, Texas in 2023 - a reflection of his enduring dedication to community, faith, and brotherhood. He was also a devout Christian, attending Gordonville Baptist Church for many years. 

Weldon was 99 years young when he stood proudly to receive his high school diploma at long last from S&S High School in 2022. Ever the adventurer, Weldon fulfilled another dream that year when he took to the skies through Dream Flights in a fully restored open top 1943 Boeing Stearman biplane called the Spirit of Wisconsin. Following that flight, Weldon famously exclaimed, “Let’s do it again!” 

Weldon was also honored in Gavray-sur-Sienne, France, with a monument now standing where he was wounded, telling his story for generations to come. 

Weldon was a generous, hard-working man, father, and devoted husband who lived his life with honor and integrity. He also had a very mischievous side and brought about much laughter with his sharp wit, orneriness, and storytelling. Weldon was beloved by so many and even had a large following on TikTok! He was known as the “Moonshine Grandpa” connecting with people all over the world.

Weldon enjoyed a simple farm life raising cattle and owning horses, embodying the strength and humility of the American spirit. He loved his 4 children more than anything in the world - and later his grandchildren brought him immeasurable joy.

Weldon was preceded in death by his wife of over 50 years, June McClane, his parents, and his brother Thomas. He is survived by his daughter Linda Crane (husband David) of Blue Ridge, daughter Vicki French of Anna, son Mike McClane (wife Anna) of Houston, and son Mark McClane (wife Justina) of Sadler. He also leaves behind grandchildren that will miss him immensely including grandson Colby French (wife Joanne), granddaughter Rachel Garza (husband Homer), granddaughter Keli Wilson (husband Bryan), grandson Noah Crane, granddaughter Jessi French, granddaughter Morgan McClane, grandson Mason McClane (wife Makenna), granddaughter Taylor Vannoy (husband Clifton), and grandson Colton Taylor (wife Kasi). Weldon was also a hero to his great-grandchildren including Amanda, Rebecca, Julia, Jude, Jackson, Joss, Lily, Elvis, Brett, Marshall, Aria and Otto, and to his 8 great-great grandchildren. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to one of the following: Gordonville Masonic Lodge #536 PO Box 681, Gordonville, TX 76245 or Dream Flights at https://donorbox.org/taking-dreams-to-new-heights

We were blessed to know him as Weldon or “Dad” or “PawPaw”. He will be deeply missed but leaves behind a profound legacy of faith, family, and quiet strength.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday May 30, 2026 at 4pm at Turrentine Jackson Morrow Funeral Home at 401 Hwy 377 Whitesboro, TX.