Arthur F. McClure the elder was born about 1909. For a short time after college, he published the Leavenworth Independent, a small newspaper. McClure later ran a small print shop, Art Press; he also gave art lessons out of his home. He married Dorothy Davis, who died in the 1940s; he later married Helen Louise (1921-2003). McClure had four children: Arthur F. II, James D., Kathleen, and Kirk. Arthur F. McClure died July 31, 2000.

Arthur F. McClure II was born January 24, 1936 in Leavenworth, Kansas. In 1958 he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from the University of Kansas; he then earned a Master of Arts in History in 1960 from the University of Colorado. Five years later, he earned a Ph.D. in History from the University of Kansas; that year he also began teaching history at Central Missouri State University (CMSU) in Warrensburg, MO (now called the University of Central Missouri).

McClure became Chair of the CMSU History Department in 1971 and, in 1981, became Chair of that school's History and Anthropology Department; he held that position until his death. He also served as University Archivist beginning in 1985.

A well published scholar, McClure was also highly active in the community. He served on the Board of Directors for the Warrensburg Meals on Wheels, the Warrensburg Youth Services, and the Bank of Warrensburg. He was also on the Community Advisory Board for KMOS-TV, the local public television station, and an active member of Christ Episcopal Church. McClure earned a number of awards and honors for his academic and community work, including the 1997 University of Kansas College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Alumni Distinguished Achievement Award.

McClure and wife Judith had four children: Allison, Kyl, Amy, and Steven (Sam). Arthur F. McClure II died January 20, 1998.