In our June 15, 2024, edition of Saturday Simulcast, we pay tribute to Mike McClure (aka DeStewart) ‘s Purdue sporting life. McClure passed away on June 12 after a brief illness. Special guests Chris Pate and John Volk share their memories of McClure. Also, GoldandBlack.com’s football expert Tom Dienhart talks about the busy month of June in Boilermaker football including recruiting and football camp updates.
Related: Growth of Indiana H.S. Football
McClure has been a poster on the GoldandBlack.com message boards since their inception dating back to 1998. His knowledge of Purdue sports and his many experiences in college and professional sports that spanned five decades brought much to the conversation. His history with Purdue sports growing up as a fan in the early 1950s gave him a unique long-term perspective of the Boilermaker program.
Here is his obituary as Mike’s family Ior at least the author of his obituary) referred to him as Mick.
Michael (“Mick”) DeStewart McClure, 82, passed away peacefully in West Lafayette, Indiana, on June 12, 2024, following a stroke. He is survived by his wife, Brenda (Jones), sons Michael (Amy) and Matthew (Pam), grandchildren James (Ashley), Johnathan, and Isla, sister, Jan (Dave) Guthrie, five nieces and one nephew, along with longtime friend Sue Grable (family members Heidi, Hollie, Jodie, Chad, and Hayden) and beloved rescue pup, Honey. He is preceded in death by his parents, Charles (“Mac”) and Janette, brother, Charles (Jane), and nephew Chuck.
Born in 1942 in Chicago, Mick lost his mother as a baby. He attended Morgan Park Academy on Chicago’s South Side and St. John’s Northwestern Academies in Delafield, Wisconsin, and spent many happy summers with his siblings at YMCA Camp Pinewood in Twin Lakes, Michigan. He went on to DePauw University, where he studied history and speech and was a loyal member of the Sigma Chi fraternity, graduating in 1964. He spent his career in professional sports, including the Big Ten, Chicago Bulls, Houston Oilers, and Chicago White Sox. Some of his proudest accomplishments included creating the Luv Ya Blue campaign for the Oilers, hosting the 50th anniversary All-Star game with the White Sox, and helping pave the way for the Oilers to become the Tennessee Titans.
Mick was a dedicated co-owner and steward of Marmac Farm in Wingate, Indiana, which has been in the family for almost 200 years and has been recognized as a Hoosier Homestead for its contributions to Indiana agriculture. It served as a home away from home for Mick and his family for decades, and he enjoyed hosting his DePauw fraternity brothers there each fall. Another cherished Marmac tradition was to gather for Memorial Day weekend and place flowers at ancestors’ graves i
Mick had an almost photographic memory for sports and family history and loved to both reminisce and analyze the performance of his favorite teams; he was an avid contributor to sports forums like Gold and Black. Like many of his family members, he passionately supported the Boilermakers and was the first to break into the “Hail Purdue!” cheer after a win. He wasn’t known for his cooking, but he made a tasty chili and cornbread that he would share with family and friends. He was a doting grandfather and was thrilled at the prospect of becoming a great-grandfather.
A private graveside service will take place in Oak Ridge Cemetery on Marmac farm. A public celebration of Mick’s life will be held later this year. Family and Friends Funeral Home of Wingate is assisting the family. Visit us at www.familyandfriendsfh.com to sign the guest book or share a memory.
The post Saturday Simulcast: Purdue Football, remembering DeStewart appeared first on On3.