Nick McClelland, 27, of Parsons died around 1 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2010, at his home. His death was unexpected.

He was born on May 11, 1983, at Tulsa to Ronald L. “Ron” and Susan L. (White) McClelland. He moved to Parsons with his family at age 6 and attended Meadow View Grade School and Labette County High School, from which he graduated in 2001. He attended Coffeyville Community College.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2003 and was stationed in South Carolina, West Virginia, Kentucky and South Korea. He served three tours of duty in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was injured during his third tour when his Humvee was struck by an improvised explosive device. He was the only survivor of that attack. He received an honorable medical discharge and returned home to Parsons.

The injuries and combat experience left Nick disabled, however, he did not let that stop him from living life to his fullest. Nick had a kind and selfless spirit. He had a “heart of gold” and would do anything for anyone. He would be the first to volunteer and wanted to be the best at whatever he did. These traits were the cornerstone of his life and his military service. He was proud of the fact that he served his country honorably and with sacrifice. He was a member of Brown-Bishop Post No. 704 Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Fraternal Order of the Eagles of Parsons and the Parsons Elks Lodge No. 527. He loved his family and friends dearly and enjoyed making memories with them. His last act of kindness was demonstrated through being an organ donor.

Survivors include his parents, Ron and Susan McClelland of the home; his sister, Linda McClelland and Brock Sutherland and her daughter, Hailee, of Parsons; his maternal grandparents, James and Betty White of McAlester, Okla.; aunts and uncles, Greg and Debbie McClelland of Idaho Falls, Idaho, Dan and Theresa McClelland of Winfield, Bill and Carol McClelland of Lee’s Summitt, Mo., Richard and Barb McClelland of Parsons, Jimmy and Annette White of McAlester, Okla., Gayle and Jerry Wilkinson of Haileyville, Okla., and Roger White of McAlester, Okla.; numerous cousins; and many friends, including Rob and Ryan O’Banion.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Don and Rita McClelland, and an uncle, Michael Albert White.

The service will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at First Baptist Church in Parsons with military honors conducted by Brown-Bishop Post No. 704 VFW. The graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Indianola Cemetery at Indianola, Okla., with burial following. The family will receive friends at Carson-Wall Funeral Home from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday.

Memorials are suggested to Hailee McClelland Memorial Fund and may be left at or mailed to the funeral home, 112 N. 26th St., P.O. Box 942, Parsons, 67357.

Online condolences may be left at www.wallfuneral services.com.