Bruce Ellsworth McLean

Bruce McLean, 97, if of Centralia, Il. Passed away in his home on May 23, 2019. Bruce was the second son of Mr. and Mrs. T.E. McLean of Oakdale, Il. After graduating from Pinckneyville High School, he enlisted in the Air Corps on Jan 2, 1942. In 1943, Corporal McLean was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross due to his extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flights in the Southwest Pacific area from 12/27/42 to 4/16/43. He was awarded the Oak Leaf Cluster for meritorious service later that year. After returning from service, Bruce attended SIU at Carbondale. Following graduation, he served as a teacher/principal and coach in Hoyelton, Il. In 1963, Bruce continued a career in education serving as principal at Washington Elementary School, and finally at Schiller and Bronson. He retired from Centralia City Schools in 1986. Bruce married his wife, Viva Dempsay of Pinkneyville, IL on June 6, 1947. They were married 71 years and were active members of the First United Methodist Church in Centralia. Bruce is survived by his wife, two sons, Dennis McLean (Becky) of Centraila, IL and Mike McLean, of Los Angeles, CA, five grandchildren, Heather Honeycutt, of Atlanta GA, Mandy Byrd of Murray, KY, Trista Kozuszek (Brandon) of Irvington, IL, Ashley McLean (John Lenzini) of Centraila, and Sean McLean (Shannon) of Troy, IL, and three great grandchildren Annabelle Lenzini, of Centraila, Braelyn Kozuszek of Irvington, and Everett McLean of Troy. Bruce preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Thomas and Elmer, sisters, Esther, Nellie and his only daughter, Catherine Jean (David) of Fulton, KY. Funeral Services for Bruce McLean will be held Wednesday, May 29, 2019 at 12:00 PM at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the funeral home. A Graveside Service will be held Wednesday, May 29, 2019 at 3:00 PM at the Oakdale Township Cemetery in Oakdale, Illinois. Military Honors will be accorded at the gravesite by the Nashville American Legion Post 110. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Salvation Army and the First United Methodist Church and will be accepted at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home at 235 North Sycamore Street Centralia, Illinois 62801, (618)532-3523, who is honored to be of service to the McLean Family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com

Bruce Ellsworth McLean

January 8, 1922 - May 23, 2019