Michael "Mike" Dennis Mcclelland

Michael "Mike" Dennis McClelland passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family. Our Heavenly Father took him home on April 16, 2020 at the age of 72. Mike was born on March 30, 1948 in Port Sulphur, LA and was a resident of Belle Chasse, LA for 50 years. Son of the late William McClelland and Helen Sanford McClelland. Brother of Sharon McClelland and the late Patrick McClelland. Mike is the beloved and devoted husband of 53 years to JoAnn Delahoussaye McClelland, his high school sweetheart. Loving father to Kim Marie McClelland St. Marie (Nick). Proud grandfather of Michael and Maegan St. Marie. Caring uncle of many nieces and nephews. Mike worked for Freeport McMoran as a Machinist/Mechanic, supervisor over the Marine Department for 27 years, retiring at age 45. The most important thing in Mike’s life was his family. He loved the beaches in Destin, FL and he and his wife, daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren spent many summers swimming in the beautiful Gulf waters. The family had fun on Disney World trips and visits to the New Orleans Audubon Zoo and Aquarium. God was good, Mike shared many good times with his grandchildren. He helped them learn how to ride bikes, swim, fly kites, catch lizards, bugs, and frogs (catch and release) of course, well maybe sometimes. He tried! They experienced many more fun things with their “Paw Paw”. He saw them graduate from High School. “Paw Paw” continued to share many of his skills with them. Mike loved music (from the 60’s to current time), wood working, photography, traveling, deep sea fishing, and diving. One of his favorite passions was restoring old cars and motorcycles. His prize possession was a 66-corvette convertible that he restored from top to bottom. Mike was also a great cook. He was a “grill master.” Once you took a bite of one of his grilled steaks, you were no longer a vegetarian. He looked forward to having family and friends over for barbecues, shrimp boils and pool parties. Mike always dreamed of visiting another country to experience their customs and culture. He went to Delgado College to learn the Spanish language. He traveled to Mexico many times. His photo albums are spectacular, filled with colorful pictures of churches, pyramids, ancient ruins, waterfalls, mountains covered with snow, festivals, monarch butterflies, whales and beautiful beaches and sunsets. He loved Mexican food and music. We are all so happy that Mike was able to fulfill his dreams. He lived a fun, complete and wonderful life that touched all of us in one way or another. We thank him for all the fun, good times, kindness, and special memories he gave us. We also thank him for the delicious recipes he shared. Mike will be missed by many who knew him and loved him. Mike had an incredible talent. He could fix almost anything and create a design to make something better. He hauled his motorcycle to Mexico on a trailer he designed and built himself. The family would like to thank the staff of Compassus for their help and support. A special thank you to Gayle, Chaplin Craig, Allie and Erica for their compassion, guidance, care, and friendship. Mike’s family attended a Private Funeral Service officiated by Father Kyle Dave on Wednesday, April 22, 2020 in the parlor of Mothe Funeral Home, 2100 Westbank Expressway, Harvey, LA. A celebration of Mike’s life will be held at a later date at his home with family and friends. Interment: Our Lady of Perpetual Help Cemetery, 8968 Highway 23, Belle Chasse, LA.