Russell mcclure

Russell McClure grew up in Erlanger and graduated from Lloyd Memorial High School in 1940. He left the city he loved to serve in the military during World War II. During this time, he served as a codes team member in Manila, Philippines.

Russell met his wife Mary at a USO dance while stationed at Camp Crowder in Missouri. Mary would often say they were not very good at dancing so they talked instead. Mary could not remember Russell’s name when they next met so she called him Kentucky. After the war, Russell and Mary returned to Erlanger to raise their family. They knew the small town community would be a great place to live.

Russell worked as a field manager at a paper box manufacturing company until his retirement. Soon after, he was elected as an Erlanger City Council Member. Russell felt it was important that citizens be involved in their community. During his 12 years of service, he also served on the City’s Administrative Committee.

In 1991, Russell resigned. He passed away at the age of 69 in 1992. Russell and Mary both left a big imprint on our city. A street named after Russell is located off of Kenton Lands Road. A quote from former City Administrator Bill Scheyer was found in a newspaper article (newspaper dated June 8,1992, newspaper unknown). “He was a shining star in Erlanger,” said former City Administrator Bill Scheyer, who first met McClure as a fellow councilmember. “He’s the finest public servant I’ve ever known.”

Written by Rachael LaPorte, Administration Department