W. CLEO McCLAIN

CHAIRMAN 1959

Mr. McClain was with the law firm McClain and Harrell, a partnership he formed with Cam Harrell after returning from service in World War II.

He was born in Groveton, Texas, and was a graduate of Sam Houston State University and South Texas School of Law. Following law school he was elected to the House of Representatives of the 43rd Texas State Legislature. While serving in the Legislature, Governor “Ma” Ferguson appointed him District Attorney for Montgomery, Polk, San Jacinto and Waller Counties. At 25 years of age, he was the youngest ever District Attorney in the State of Texas. He was twice re-elected District Attorney and served until he entered the Army in World War II as Security Intelligence.

He and his wife Alice Ruth had three sons – William C. McClain, Jr., Stephen W. McClain, and Andrew L. McClain, and three grandchildren. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church where he served as the Chairman of the Administrative Board, Chairman of the Finance Committee, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees. In 1941, he was selected to serve on the County Council for National Defense. Other service and contributions to the community include:

CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS

  • President, Conroe Rotary Club (1948/1949)
  • Trustee, Conroe Independent School District
  • Trustee, Montgomery County Hospital Foundation
  • First President, Montgomery County United Fund
  • 32nd Degree Mason
  • Shriner

BUSINESS

  • President, Montgomery County Bar Association
  • Director, State Bar of Texas
  • Charter Member, Texas Bar Foundation
  • Member, American Bar Association
  • District Judge Special 9th District (1936)
  • Director,  First National Bank of Conroe
  • Director,  First Federal Savings and Loan
  • Director,  San Jacinto River Authority

HONORS AND AWARDS

  • Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow