Steven William Vernon McClung

Steven William Vernon McClung was born on January 16, 1944, in Vancouver, Canada, to Robert and Rose McClung. When Steve was just a toddler, his parents divorced, and his father returned to the United States. Soon afterward, Steve was taken in and lovingly raised by his Christian Aunt Annie, his mother’s sister.

As a young boy, Steve faced serious health problems. After contracting tuberculosis, he spent many months in a sanitarium recovering before returning to live with his aunt. When he was seven, his father and older brother, Bobby, traveled to Canada to bring him back to the United States, where he joined his father and his stepmother, Theresa.

Steve was one of six children: his late brother Bobby McClung (survived by Lilli), his late brother Joe McClung, his sister Virginia Willis (Ivan Ritchie) of Lebanon, Oregon, his sister Patsy Gonzales (Able) of Pico Rivera, California, and his brother David McClung (Kim) of Pocatello, Idaho.

As a teenager, Steve’s life took an important spiritual turn. At sixteen, while dating a pastor’s daughter, he went to church with her and accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior. His faith became a guiding light for the rest of his life. During high school, Steve ran track and performed well, showing the determination that would come to define him.

After graduating, Steve enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving four years as a radioman aboard an ammunition ship during the Vietnam War. Later, at the age of 47, he was called to serve again during Desert Storm. He was responsible for helping set up and manage the surgical department in a tent hospital in the middle of the desert. His strong work ethic and sense of duty carried through both his military and civilian life.

After his honorable discharge from the Navy, Steve’s sister introduced him to Jackie — the woman who would become the love of his life and whom he affectionately called “my bride.” After two years of courtship, they married on June 7, 1969, and shared a remarkable 56 years together.

Steve and Jackie were blessed with two sons: Matthew (Teddie) and Jason. Their family grew to include five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, with another to arrive very soon.

Education was always important to Steve. He went on to earn a master’s degree and applied his technical and organizational talents in meaningful ways. Early in his career, he worked for Western Union repairing teletype equipment. Later, he joined Intermountain Health Care — now Portneuf Medical Center — where he served faithfully for 23 years. During that time, he was instrumental in helping establish the hospital’s heart department under Dr. Jacob De La Rosa, even assisting with equipment and technology during heart surgeries.

After retiring from the hospital, Steve was never one to sit still. He explored new adventures — from driving a potato truck during harvest season to becoming a beloved “super sub” at Century High School in Pocatello, a role he held for 14 years. His students and colleagues appreciated his humor, kindness, and genuine care.

Steve’s life was full in every sense. He loved to golf, camp, hunt, and take part in cowboy shooting competitions. But nothing brought him more simple joy than reading — a pastime that reflected his lifelong curiosity and love of learning.

Steve went home to Heaven on October 3, 2025, having lived a life full of faith, family, and service.

He leaves behind a legacy of love, perseverance, and kindness that continues in all who were fortunate to know him.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at Gate City Baptist Church, 500 W Maple Street, Pocatello, ID. A viewing will be held prior beginning at 10:00 am. Burial will follow the service at Mountain View Cemetery, 1520 S 5th Avenue, Pocatello, ID.

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