John L McKean

John L. “Jack” McKean, 89, of New Philadelphia, died Tuesday, May 28, 2013 in Community Hospice House at New Philadelphia following a period of declining health.

A son of the late Edwin and Minnie (Michele) McKean, Jack was born May 19, 1924 at Elm Grove, West Virginia.

Jack graduated from Tuscarawas-Warwick High School in 1943. That same year he was drafted into the United States Army and served during World War II in the 95th Infantry under General Patton. During his service, Jack was wounded in action and received the Purple Heart Award.

He was the owner and operator of the Jack McKean Insurance Agency and served on the Board of Directors for the Central Reserve Life Insurance Company. Jack was also an over the road truck driver for Larson Clay and he served as the Vice President of Local #92 Teamsters of Canton.

Jack was a member of Immaculate Conception Church at Dennison as well as a member of the Tuscarawas V.F.W. and the New Philadelphia American Legion. He was an avid golfer and he operated Jack’s Deer Track Green’s which was a pro shop and golf course at his home. In his younger years, Jack enjoyed hunting, fishing and water skiing. Jack also enjoyed the companionship of his granddog, Moose.

He is survived by his loving wife, LaVerne (Bittner) McKean whom he married on May 23, 1943; his children, Jody (Lloyd) Carr and John (Mel) McKean both of New Philadelphia; an extended family member, Frank Adams; his grandchildren, John McKean II and Eric McKean, Brenton, Darcie and Sean Carr, Kelly McMillan and Ed and Dustin Corpman; numerous great grandchildren; a niece, Shirley Mae Henry as well as other nieces and nephews.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Edwin L. McKean; a sister, Aileen Goedel and a brother, Robert “Bob” McKean.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, June 1, 2013 from 1 to 2 p.m. in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral & Crematory at New Philadelphia. A funeral service celebrating Jack’s life will follow at 2 p.m. in the funeral home with Father Anthony Lonzo officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in Sharon Moravian Church Cemetery at Tuscarawas.

Those wishing to do so may send the family a personal condolence and light a candle in remembrance of Jack by visiting the funeral home website, www.geibcares.com.

Contributions may be made in Jack’s memory to Community Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 716 Commercial Avenue SW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663 or to Immaculate Conception Church, 206 North First Street, Dennison, OH 44621.