Hoyt Lee McClain, 94

Hoyt Lee McClain, 94, of Pinehurst, Idaho, passed away Nov. 21, 2019, at Pacifica Pinehurst. He was born April 14, 1925, in Boonville, Mo. Hoyt was the son of George “Lee” and Nettie “Tersie” (White) McClain. Hoyt moved to Pinehurst with his parents in 1929.

Hoyt attended first through 12 grades at the Kingston school. After graduating in 1943, he joined the Army Air Corps. Hoyt attended a training school and hoped to become a “flyboy,” but didn’t make it. He was then trained in artillery to become a tailgunner on a B-24 with his crew, the “Jolly Rogers” of the 90th Bomb Squadron. Hoyt flew various missions in the Pacific and later was part of the occupation of Japan. He returned home in February of 1946.

On July 3, 1947, Hoyt married Joyce Hendrickson of Coeur d’Alene. At that time, he was working at the Bunker Hill Mining Company. He was a jack-of-all-trades, but master of none. His interests were in fixing things, especially mechanically. Hoyt had many jobs throughout the years — he worked in the mines, sold cars, ran big equipment, had a milk route (delivering milk house to house), was a mine mechanic, worked in the logging industry and other things.

Hoyt was a life-long member of the Pinehurst Community Bible Church and was very involved in many capacities. He taught Sunday School, youth groups and home Bible studies, as well as serving as a deacon and elder. He was convinced the Bible was the word of God. Hoyt cared for people and their lives, wanting to see them come to know God and the joy of His presence.

In the mid ’60s, as a couple, they were challenged to “reach the unreached” with the Gospel and they headed off to New Tribes Bible School and mission training. Later, they served on the staff of two training centers in Baker City, Ore. and Rochester, Pa.

Hoyt and Joyce moved back to Pinehurst in 1976 and bought the Tall Pine Drive-In in 1985, owning and leasing it for approximately 30 years. Hoyt was the one who kept the machines running and was the public relations man, but his most favorite job was to test the ice cream every morning.

Hoyt got involved in ham radio so he could talk to his daughters and families in Papua New Guinea and Brazil. He grew to enjoy talking to many people all over the world, along with talking to the local ham guys, into his late eighties.

Hoyt is survived by his four children: Ted (Shirley) McClain of Pinehurst; Gail Miller of Rose Lake, Idaho, Terry (Peter) Rich of Pinehurst and Debbie (Scott) Ross also of Pinehurst; nine grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 72 years, Joyce, on August 28, 2019; his parents; son-in-law, Monte Miller; and granddaughter, Heidi Miller Keele.

The family would like to thank Auburn Crest Hospice of Coeur d’ Alene and Pacifica Senior Living of Pinehurst, for their loving care.

Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019, at the Pinehurst Community Bible Church, 210 Main St., Pinehurst, Idaho.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations may be made to the Pinehurst Community Bible Church, P.O. Box 1119, Pinehurst, ID 83850, Ethnos 360 (formerly New Tribes Mission) Hoyt McClain Memorial Fund, or to the Alzheimer’s Association.

You may share your memories of Hoyt and sign his guest book at www.shoshonefuneralservice.com. Shoshone Funeral Service and Crematory, Kellogg, Idaho, is entrusted with services.