Hayes McClaran

Hayes B. McClaran, better known to friends as “Mac,” passed away in Urbana, Illinois on December 7, 2018.

He was born to Elwood and Nora McClaran in the Sand Hills of Nebraska on March 30, 1933. In 1955, he received a Bachelor of Arts in Industrial Arts from the Nebraska State Teachers College at Wayne (now Wayne State College), where he met Lois McClaran, with whom he celebrated 62 years of marriage. Hayes taught industrial arts for two years at Dixon High School in Nebraska. In 1957, Hayes and Lois moved to California to pursue careers in teaching. After 19 years of teaching industrial arts at Mendota Junior High School (Mendota, CA), Hayes launched his own business restoring mechanical musical instruments ranging from upright player pianos and reproducing grand pianos to large-scale German and American orchestrions and band organs. He and Lois moved to Batesville, IN in 1995, where he continued to restore mechanical musical instruments well into his 70s. A highly talented, amateur pianist, Hayes enjoyed classical and Ragtime music. He also excelled at wood carving, cabinet-making, and the restoration of antique clocks. His wit and sense of humor will be missed by his family, many friends and former business associates.

Survivors include his wife, Lois, and daughter, Janelle K. Weatherford (David) of Monticello, IL; and two grandsons, Logan and Sean. 

Hayes did not wish to have a funeral or visitation; however, a celebration of life will be held at a later date. 

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