Donald Robert McLean , age 88 of Rockwall, TX, passed away July 17, 2017. He was born October 12, 1928, in Detroit, Michigan to John Malcomb McLean and Mildred Wallner McLean. He was the sixth of eight children who grew up in the Detroit area. He was the starting middle linebacker for Lawrence Tech, a private university in Southfield, Michigan, while working on his undergraduate degree. Don went on to earn his law degree from Wayne State University in Detroit. Don married and had five children together with his first wife, the late Donita Roberts McLean. As a father, he was a wonderful example of respect for others and helping in the community. He enjoyed being with his children and the theatre arts, especially "Fiddler on the Roof", and listening to Barbara Streisand. Occasionally, he would break out in song, like "Summertime", and share his beautiful voice with those around him. He had lots of hidden talents like that. His mark will forever be left in the hearts of his children, for the father he was for them, all the way until he was called Home.

Don was licensed to practice law in Michigan and in Texas. He served as a Defense Attorney in the Dallas County area. However, he was a true Michigander at heart. The lakes and beautiful scenery of Michigan's natural surroundings were serenity for him. Don enjoyed all sports; baseball, basketball, hockey, but he especially loved football. He was a devoted sports fan of all teams Michigan! Detroit Lions, the Pistons, the Tigers and the Red Wings. He would catch a game when he could and cheer on his home teams.

Later in life, he remarried to Sandra Jeanne Hosmer, and they have been residing in North Texas and married for 33 years, until his passing. They enjoyed traveling, especially to Scotland, and attending the Symphony to listen to beautiful classical music. Don and Sandra spent 17 summers in their Lake Huron condo on the tip of the THUMB in Port Austin, MI. While there, they hosted many family reunions and Don was President of the Harbor Pines Condo Association. Together they supported one another in life goals and in their passion to help others. He will be missed tremendously.

Don was a humble man. He was kind and generous and very intelligent. In the courtroom, he was brilliant and could provide the best defense for his clients. Outside the courtroom, he enjoyed working with his hands. It is said that if Don did not become an attorney, he would have become an engineer. He could envision a project, and would build it. He would do it for a neighbor or friend, or help them with handy work around the house…why? "I have the skills and knowledge, so why not offer to others in need." He would even offer to do a will "pro bono" for a family, as he felt this was an important document that needed to be prepared and in place for families. This was his way of giving back, as well as his involvement with the 12 Step programs in the Dallas County Jails. Don recently celebrated more than 40 years of sobriety, not an easy feat to accomplish. He was the key person in getting the Alcoholics Anonymous Jail Program started, which has led to other meetings being available to people in jail that are in need of such self-help recovery programs. Although the 12 Steps are heavy on spirituality, many nonreligious people have found the program immensely helpful. The language emphasizes the presence of God as each participant understands him, allowing for different interpretations and religious beliefs. Don was raised in the Catholic faith, and it is his faith and sobriety that has carried him through his life and his struggles. His life experiences and testament to his faith allowed him to coach others, to be tough when it was necessary, and compassionate towards those struggling with addiction. He inspired others to become sober in these outreach programs. Don touched many lives throughout his lifetime and that is something special that will not be forgotten.

Don was greeted in Heaven by his parents John and Mildred McLean, his siblings: Jack McLean, Grace Heidtman, Jean Waznak, Dolores McLean, Tom McLean, Mike McLean, and his son, Chuck McLean.

His life and legacy will continue to be honored and remembered by his family: wife, Sandra McLean of Rockwall; children: Kelly McLean of Plano, Don McLean of Chicago and Chris McLean and Anne McLean-Kall of Los Angeles; his step-children: Evan Powell and Karen of Dallas and Gavin Powell and Michelle of Nampa, Idaho; grandchildren: Sam, Eli and Landon Powell; sister, Marvis McLean of Northville, Michigan; and many other relatives, dear friends and colleagues, especially the 12 step programs he participated in.

Memorial Mass will be held 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 25, 2017, at Saint Michael's Catholic Church/Annunciation of the Lord Parish in Port Austin, Michigan with Fr. Craig Carolan officiating.  Burial will take follow at the church cemetery.   The family will receive friends and family at the church prior to the service beginning at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the Dallas Council on Alcoholism http://dallascouncil.org/donate/ or AA Members can also contribute to the Jail Meetings Program by contacting the Dallas Intergroup Association at 6162 East Mockingbird Lane, Suite 213, Dallas, TX 75214, by telephone at (214)887-6699 or online at https://www.aadallas.org/wordpress/online-contributions/.

"He has gone to the Big Meeting in the Sky and we all miss him."