William “Bill” Tome McLain
July 10, 1935 - June 13, 2024
William “Bill” Tome McLain, age 88, of Newark, DE, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, June 13, 2024.
Born in Washington, DC on July 10, 1935, he was the son of the late Ronald A., Sr. and Dorothy Tome McLain. He graduated from Newark High School in 1952 and earned a B.A. and M.Ed. from the University of Delaware. He dedicated his 47 year career with Christina School District educating others teaching math and psychology at Newark High School, as assistant principal of Newark High School and Gauger Middle School, and as principal of Adult Education and James H Groves Adult High School before retiring in 2005.
Bill was a member of Newark United Methodist Church for 72 years where he served on many committees. He was a member of the Del-mar-va Council of the Boys Scouts of America as a scout and leader earning the Silver Beaver, Order of Merit and Eagle Scout awards. In his later life, he was the president of the Newark Historical Society and was instrumental in reopening the Newark History Museum. In his freetime, Bill enjoyed learning about and visiting historical locations, attending concerts and plays, and traveling with family and friends.
In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his brother, Ronald A. McLain, Jr. He is survived by his loving wife, Meurial Webb McLain; daughter, Laura Narayan (Chris) of Newark; grandchildren, Nathan Saxfield (Kasey Blankenship), Katelyn Saxfield, Jordyn Saxfield, Connor Narayan, and Travis Narayan.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 9 am until 10:30 am on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at Newark United Methodist Church, 69 E Main Street, Newark, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 11 am. Interment will be held privately in West Nottingham Cemetery.
Any loved ones who are unable to attend the service for Bill may live stream the service by clicking here.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Newark High School Alumni Association. Checks can be made payable to: Newark High School, Newark, Delaware, Alumni Association and mailed to NHS Alumni Association c/o 25 Cornwall Dr. Newark, DE 19711
Rozie Zappo Doe
My heart goes out to his loved ones. He dedicated his life to the children in Newark making sure they received a quality education in a safe environment. Thank you and God’s speed Mr. M.
Ed McFarlin
Bill was the best math teacher I ever had and in my work, I often used what he had taught.
Tom Parkins
I remember Dr. McLain as a student at Newark High School. Later he was instrumental in helping my son complete his education through the adult program. He always wanted to do what was best for the students. A great man.
James Barber
So sorry for your loss 🙏🙏🙏🙏 . He was a Scoutmaster in Troop 255, were I was in the Boy Scouts. He thought me a lot. Prayers 🤲🙏🤲🙏 going to the family. He will be missed by me.
Joel Smith
I remember him from church and Boy Scouts. My brother Jeff and I were ushers at Newark Methodist Church, and he kept us in line although we usually managed to sneak out after the collection and before the sermon. Good memories of a good man.
Tom Carter
I remember Bill when I attended Newark Senior High School and Newark UMC. Prayers for Bill’s family.
Jane Hartman Segal
Bill was a neighbor before his family moved to Bins. We spent many happy times visiting. One of our favorite memories was of Bill attempting to help me with a Math assignment. While he helped, we all watched Maverick, a favorite show. I got every problem wrong in the assignment! We laughed about that many times! Bill was such a nice man who dedicated his life to helping all the kids in Newark. My deepest sympathy to Muriel and all of his family.
Linda Freidly Brock
I am deeply saddened to hear this news. Mr. McLain worked closely with my father at Newark High School. They remained very close friends long after they both retired from education. Mr. McLain was a very caring man whose contribution to education is immeasurable. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife Meurial and the rest of the family.
Marcia Paxton
I appreciate all that Mr. McLain did for all of our children through the years. A life well lived.
Linda Freidly Brock
I was so saddened to hear the passing of Bill. He and my father worked closely together at Newark High School, and remained very close friends long after they retired from education. Bill was a very caring man and a dedicated and loving husband and father. His contribution to education for so many years was immeasurable. My thoughts and prayers go out to Meuriel and the rest of the family.
Stacy Myers
Rest peacefully Mr. McLain.
Respectfully,
Stacy Myers
NHS class of 1980
Bill McIntosh
Sincere condolences to you Meurial, Laura and family. Bill was a scout leader in Troop 56 and mentor to my brother Fred and me in the mid 1960’s and he was Fred’s boss at Camp Rodney’s Trading Post and his math teacher. Bill invited Fred and another on an unforgettable trip to Cape Cod between camp ending and school starting, and both Fred and me on a memorable summer-ending trip to the Wisconsin Dells and Mackinac Island. He was always a positive influence in our lives and will be fondly remembered. R.I.P.
Al Price
In the late seventies I remember him giving it his all to make Newark High School a better place. Thank you and rest in peace.
Gail Abner-Baldwin
McLain family, Sending Condolences for the loss of such a dedicated and very nice teacher/administrator. I will always remember Mr M standing in the NHS corridor, by the office/cafeteria monitoring mornings/afternoon classes, in 1969-1971. Peace be with you all at this difficult time. Godspeed Mr McLain
Bobette Melton Downing
My deepest sympathy to the family. Bill was a great asset to the Newark Community and will be greatly missed.
Valerie Gray
I was Bill’s secretary in the early 1980’s when I first went to work at NHS. He was a very caring, thoughtful and respectful man and my sympathy goes out to his family. RIP Mr. McLain.
Bonnie
Our heart felt condolences
Murial Laura and family…. Meurial know you and family did a wonderful job taking care of Bill…keeping him home ….bless all your hearts with your best memories of Bill….
Anrea Frederick MacDonald
Tremendously sorry to hear about the loss of “Mr. McLain.” We were former colleagues. I always thought of him as a very kind and wonderful man. My thoughts and prayers are with all of the family during this most difficult time.
Kenneth M. Weinig
Bill was truly a generous man. He was my math teacher at NHS, my assistant scoutmaster of Troop 56, and colleague counselor at Camp Rodney, where he managed the trading post (camp store). My forever prayers for him!
Daniel Ondra
Rest in Peace Uncle Bill you will be missed 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Doris M. Kennedy
I met Bill when I enrolled at James Groves Adult High School to obtain my high school diploma. Bill succeeded helping this middle aged Mom become comfortable in attending classes. I received my high school diploma and 3 college credits. I accepted the position of Activity Director at Newark Manor where I met Bill once again. He came to represent the Methodist
Church – bringing a sermon and music to the Residents. He was so good – I thought he was a minister. I have always appreciated Bill’s kindness and understanding which has touched so many lives. My condolences to Meurial and Laura and family.
Wendy Crouse
My sincere condolences on the passing of Mr. McLain. He was such an inspiration to many NHS graduates. I send hugs and prayers to his family. He truly touched many lives and will be missed. Rest in peace my friend…until me meet again.
Barbara Jo Apichella
I worked with Bill at Newark High School. He was a pillar of the place. A kind man and a hard worker. My condolences to the family. B. J. Apichella, English teacher, retired.
Janet Urbaniak
Meurial I am so sorry for your loss, Bill was one of the good guys. I remember all the good times we had while our girls were ice skating.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Remember the good times and find comfort knowing that he is now in a better place no longer sick and suffering.
Mary McDowell
I first knew Mr. McLain as an administrator at Newark High when I was a student. I later knew him as principal of the Adult Education program when my husband was teaching in the program. I later learned he was an NHS grad and had single handedly kept the alumni scholarships going for many years even though there wasn’t an “active” alumni association. Our most recent conversations were related to the Newark Historical Society.
He made a difference.
His impact on his community is his legacy.
He will be missed.
My sincere condolences.
Amanda Smagala
I was so sad to hear of Bill’s passing. My heart goes out Meurial, Laura, and family during this time of sorrow and remembrance. Bill started my career in Adult Education by handing me a binder of “modules” and said, “you will do fine.” And he was right!. I have forever been grateful to do the work of service that he has shown. After he retired, I would see him and Meurial bringing the kids back and forth to preschool. He was a man of service to his family, friends, and community. He served others and did what was best for students and his family. He will be greatly missed.
Jack Lynn
I worked for Bill at the Trading Post at Rodney for about 6 years. After camp closed in August, a group of Staff members would travel around the country in Bill’s car or van. Camping in different locations. One year New England,another NY and Canada, another Chicago and the mid-west. Great memories.
Lisa & Jim Spangler
Our sincere condolences, deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers go out to Meuriel and the rest of the family on Bill’s passing.