Memorial Trees
T
The Angalets
January 11, 2025
M
Mary McVay
January 10, 2025
A
Anonymous
December 20, 2024
Memorial trees planted for:
Zachary Paul McIlwain
<p>INDIANAPOLIS – Zachary Paul McIlwain, 38, passed away on Monday, December 9, 2024 at his home.</p><p><br></p><p>He was born on June 6, 1986 in Muncie, the son of Selena K. McIlwain and Donald K. McClellan. He graduated from Delta High School in 2004 and earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from Ball State University, graduating Cum Laude in 2013. He served his country honorably in the U.S. Army from 2005-2013 attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was deployed to Iraq with the 172nd Striker Brigade Combat Team from 2006-2007 and a second deployment with the Deuce Four (1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment) from 2008-2009. He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for his service in the Iraq War.</p><p><br></p><p>Upon graduating from Ball State, he worked for the FDIC Indianapolis Office for 10 years and rose to their highest level of Senior Examiner. He was a passionate advocate for Veterans and became a leadership fellow through I.A.V.A. and went to Washington D.C. to lobby for ending the backlog of VA disability claims. He also advocated for the passage of the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention Act for Veterans and was invited to the White House to meet with President Barack Obama when he signed the bill into law. He was a member of the Indiana Military Coalition where he advocated through the I.A.V.A. for Indiana and National Veterans by meeting with Senator John McCain, Senator Joe Donnelly and others, traveling extensively for several other Veterans initiatives. His love language was service to others. He was selected by Governor Pence to be a torch bearer in Marion County for the Indiana Bicentennial and was also a Congressional Advisor on Military and Veterans Affairs. Zachary loved all animals and served on the boards of several animal non-profit organizations. He also loved fast cars, especially his Shelby Mustangs.</p><p><br></p><p>Surviving are his mother, Selena K. Gibbs of Anderson; his father, Donald K. McClellan (fiancé, Scarlett Gibson) of Selma; siblings, Ian McClellan of Selma, Morgan Bube (Mason) of Tell City, Krystal McDowell (Steve) of Redkey and Ashland Faircloth (Michael Parrott) of Muncie; his grandfather, Allan Gibbs of Redkey; special nephew and special niece, Sean Ashley and Zoe Ashley.</p><p><br></p><p>He was preceded in death by one sister, Christie Gibbs; grandparents, ValJean McIlwain, Sidney and Helen Mae McClellan and Peggy Gibbs; step-father, Chris Gibbs and step-mother, Camellia Faircloth.</p><p><br></p><p>Memorial Services will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at The Meeks Mortuary and Crematory, Washington Street Chapel and his service will be livestreamed, starting at 4:00 p.m. and may be viewed at www.Facebook.com/MeeksMortuary. Full military honors will be provided by the United States Army and the Veterans of Delaware County.</p><p><br></p><p>Family and friends may call at The Meeks Mortuary and Crematory, Washington Street Chapel, from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 11, 2025.</p><p><br></p><p>Memorial Contributions may be directed to the I.A.V.A. (Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America), P.O. Box 70216, Washington, D.C. 20024 or online at https://iava.org or to TAPS Tragedy Assistance Program, 3033 Wilson Blvd, 3rd Floor, Arlington, VA 22201 or online at www.taps.org.</p><p><br></p><p>Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.meeksmortuary.com.</p><p><br></p>June 6, 1986 - December 9, 202406/06/198612/09/2024
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