Man celebrates a hundred years' worth of memories

By Carol Hartzog

Published: September 12, 2007

EDMOND — While some spent Sept. 11 remembering the deadly terrorist attacks on the United States, Edmond resident Floyd MacClain used the day to look back on a century as an Oklahoman.

MacClain turned 100 Tuesday at Touchmark at Coffee Creek, where he lives. His family will join him for a celebration of his centennial Sunday.

"I was a young man at 70,” said MacClain, who remains active in spite of his diminished vision and hearing.

Born in Yale, just east of Stillwater, MacClain has lived in four states and six Oklahoma towns. Over the years, he has traveled to 27 countries, eight of which he visited with his second wife on their honeymoon.

"I did something to take care of myself and I think the good Lord is on my side,” he said, reflecting on his longevity.

He stayed out of trouble, he said, never getting arrested or drinking or smoking.

"I wasn't in the service, but I sure remember World War I,” he said. "In Yale, five refineries and 10 gasoline plants blew their whistles for 15 minutes to announce the end of the war.”

MacClain worked for Amoco Oil Co. for 27 years, starting at the bottom in the oil industry and working up to buyer and purchaser. The centenarian also remembers Pearl Harbor. At the time, he was living in Illinois and had sat down to eat breakfast when he heard over the radio news of the attack.

He has been married twice, has a son and daughter, seven grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren. MacClain has lived longer than anyone else in his family.

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