Lt. Col. Robert Donald ""Mac"" McClanahan, US Army, Ret.

Leaving a legacy of love, Robert Donald ""Mac"" McClanahan, 95, passed peacefully on Valentine's Day, February 14, 2014, surrounded by family. Mac was born October 20, 1918 in Larned, Kansas. His formative years were spent in Arkansas City, Kansas. Mac joined the Army in 1940 where he started as a private before serving in World War II in Europe, including the Battle of the Bulge. He also served in Korea. During his service, Mac worked his way up in rank, retiring in 1962 as a Lt. Colonel in the First Division Calvary (Big Red 1), after commanding several Helicopter Companies. After retirement Mac went back to school, earning his Bachelor's Degree in Business, taught in the Junction City, Kansas high school system, and subsequently accepted a civil service position in Fort Riley, Kansas. In 1994, Mac and his wife, Melba, moved to the mountains of Colorado where he hiked more than 400 miles of the Colorado trail in his late 70s and 80s. At the age of 82, Mac took up dog-sledding, running his own team of dogs. Mac is survived by his wife of nearly 62 years, Melba; sons John (Nancy), Michael (Pamela) and Patrick (Tammy); grandchildren, Jason, Candice, Nick and Trevor; and great-grandchildren, Lucy, Riley and Amelia. A son, Robert, preceded him in death in 1980. Please join the family as they celebrate Mac's life honoring his faith and service. Viewing will be Tuesday, February 25, 2014, 4-7 PM, with Rosary at 7 PM, both at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 3101 South Wadsworth Boulevard, Lakewood, Colorado. Funeral Mass will celebrated Wednesday, February 26, 2014, 10 AM, Christ the King Catholic Church, 4291 Evergreen Parkway, Evergreen, Colorado. Committal Service with full military honors will be Friday, February 28, 2014, 10 AM, Fort Logan National Cemetery, Staging Area ""A"", 3698 South Sheridan Boulevard, Denver, Colorado. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: The Wounded Warrior Project 1 South Nevada Avenue, Suite #205 Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903 -OR- Disabled Veterans of America 8720 East Colfax Avenue Denver, Colorado 80220. Please share your memories of Mac and condolences with his family by signing the guestbook below.