David Francis McLain

Warren, OH - Judge David Francis McLain, 84, former Trumbull County Common Pleas Judge, passed away quietly on Saturday, April 13, 2013 at his residence. David was born in Warren on October 20, 1928, and was the son of the late Judge William M and Mary (Haas) McLain.

David had attended St. Mary's Elementary and Jr. High Schools and graduated from Phillips Andover Academy in Andover, MA in 1946.

He spent four years at Princeton University in Princeton, NJ graduating in 1950 with an AB degree, majoring in Political Science and History. He was a member of Cannon.

David matriculated to Harvard Law School at Cambridge, MA graduating in 1953 with a Juris Doctorate, Law Degree, and was admitted to the bar in 1953.

His military service from 1954 to 1957 was as a "Judge Advocate General Legal Officer" (J.A.G.) attached to staff Commandant 4th Naval District in Philadelphia, PA. Extensive trials experience, both in prosecution and defense in general courts martial.

David then returned to Warren,OH in 1957 in private law practice with Buchwalter, Molitoris, and Cronin. In 1960 to 1964 he served as Assistant Prosecutor to Lynn B. Griffith, Jr. and was admitted to the United States Supreme Court in 1963.

In 1964 David was elected Trumbull County Prosecuting Attorney. In 1968 he was elected Trumbull County Commons Pleas Judge, serving until 1987. While serving as Common Pleas Judge, David was cited eight times by the Ohio Supreme Court for outstanding judicial service.

In 1987, David returned to private practice. In 1993, he began serving by assignment by the Ohio Supreme Court in both Trumbull and Mahoning Counties, retiring in 1999

David married Mary Flo (Compton) on June 23, 1951 who survives and son, Atty. David H. McLain of Warren, cousins; Atty William P McLain, former Warren City Law Director and Mary Collins Bertuzi both of Warren, and Michael Collins of FL. Preceding him in death are son, Mark Compton McLain, who passed away from an accident in 1980.

He was a member of the Trumbull County Bar Association, Ohio State Bar Association, Ohio Common Pleas Judges Association, St. Mary's and St. James Church, and Elks Lodge 295.

David's interest and knowledge of history and politics continued all his life, his belief in truth and justice was his way of life. He loved a wide variety of sports such as; football, baseball, golf, tennis, and horse racing, if not as an participant but in later years an observer. He enjoyed traveling, always seeking historical and special places to share with friends and all dine together.

David will be remembered for his humor and wit, and as a story-teller at various public events as a speaker.

If one word would be used to his legacy - it would be "VERITAS", meaning Truth. "Good Night Sweet Prince May Flights of Angels Sing Thee to Thy Rest." (Hamlet)

Family will receive friends on Tuesday, April 16, 2013 from 5pm - 7pm at McFarland & Son Funeral Home in Warren. A Memorial Mass will be held Wednesday, April 17, 2013 at St. Mary's Church, Warren at 2 pm with Fr. Bernard Schmalzried officiating. Inurnment will be in the McLain family lot in Oakwood Cemetery.

The family requests material contributions be made in honor of Judge McLain to The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, 2415 Niles Rd SE Warren, OH 44484 where the Judge's grandfather Peter J, Haas was an original founder.

Arrangements are entrusted to McFarland and Son Funeral and Cremation Services Co, 271 North Park Avenue, Warren, OH 44481, 330-393-9621. Please visit www.McFarlandCares.com to view this obituary, send condolences, and order flowers.and gifts.

To send flowers or gifts click on this link
Send Flowers & Gifts