Richard C. McClure

Richard C. McClure, longtime Dallas resident and Chicago native, 68, passed on June 8, 2021. Richard was born on May 2, 1953, in Chicago, Illinois to the late James and Audrey McClure.

Richard had 25 years of C-Level leadership with a proven track record of strategically putting companies together from the ground up. He was the Chairman, President & CEO of American Railroads Corporation and Missouri & Valley Park Railroad, President & CEO of Arc Strategic Advisors Group, CEO of Southern California Railroad and Sweetwater Central Switching Company, President of Texas & Oklahoma Railroad, Texas North Orient Corporation and Seagraves Whiteface & Lubbock Railroad and Vice President of Marketing at Transportation Equipment Management Corporation. Richard held a Bachelors degree in Psychology, Business and Education from St. Norbert College and a Masters Degree in Clinical Child Psychology from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater.

A decorated athlete who won multiple swimming championships and played rugby for the Green Bay Northmen. He was a very talented football player as the nose guard, defensive end and center for Milton College, defensive lineman for St. Norbert College, and played professionally as a linebacker and defensive end in the Canadian Football League and the National Football League. Additionally, Richard coached football for Milton College, St. Norbert College, Rockford Rams, Racine Raiders and the Barrington Broncos Little League.

He was also a gifted artist, winning numerous juried awards for his skill in clay sculpture, charcoal and watercolors.

Among his many achievements, Richard was known to live life in the moment, make friends wherever he went, and pave his own way through countless adventures. He was larger than life, a passionate father of 4 and grandfather of 5, took pride owning, operating and consulting on Short-Line and Class 1 Railroads and found peace navigating the waters on his boat. He was recently an active participant and volunteer for the NFL Players United Community Outreach,  XFL Dallas Renegades Community Engagement, St. Norbert’s Alpha Delta Gamma fraternity and Focus (Fathers Offering Children Unfailing Support).

He will be missed by many for his humor, wisdom, generosity and unconditional love. He will not be forgotten.

Richard is survived by the mother of his children and beloved friend, Cheryl Nokes, his children; Colleen Berube, Ryan McClure, Cara Porter, and Laura Kulas, his grandchildren; Ellie, Clark, Reid, Farrah, and Hudson and his siblings; Michael, Patricia, Thomas and James.

A private funeral will be held at All Saints Cemetery. A wake for friends and family will be held on Friday, July 9, 2021, from 3 PM to 6 PM with a prayer service starting at 5:00 PM at Davenport Funeral Home,  941 S Old Rand Rd, Lake Zurich, IL 60047.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago Foundation.