George LeRoy McKean

George LeRoy McKean, 67, passed away suddenly on Thursday, January 21, 2021 at Avita Health Systems in Ontario.

He was born on January 31, 1953 to George and Donna (Witmer) McKean in Ashland Ohio. George was a 1971 graduate of Crestview High School. He had been employed with many area industries but found the most joy when he took the position as a head cook at Heritage Care Center in Shelby, which continued at Wedgewood Estates in Mansfield where his heart for the residents was evident in the friendships that he made. 

George was a true outdoorsman and loved fishing, hiking and birdwatching. You could also find him keeping his lawn meticulously mowed during the warmer months of the year, as riding his John Deere tractor provided freedom in his later years as health challenges made it difficult for him to do many of the things that he truly enjoyed. In his younger years, he looked forward to planting and tending to his vegetable garden and growing massive pumpkins. 

An avid sports fan, George enjoyed playing football in high school, coaching his childrens girls and boys Little League softball and baseball teams, supporting his kids and cheering on his grandkids from the sidelines. It was rare for him to miss a Sunday afternoon NFL football game.
 
But most importantly, George was a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather, who loved nothing more than to spend time with his family. To his children, he bore many titles including travel companion, confidante and best friend.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Sondra V.(Bernhardt) McKean; three children Tonya (Rod) Prater of Mansfield, Nathaniel (Molly) Mckean of Pullman, West Virginia, and Gabriel (Angela) McKean of Bellevue; 11 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren; three sisters Sue (Bob) Dupré of New Jersey, Diane (John) Bailey of Mansfield, Jan (Rex) Kuhn of Mansfield; and many nieces nephews and other relatives.

George was a Christian and in recent years spent much time reading the Bible. He was welcomed into heaven and reunited with his parents, stepfather Robert Kuhn and precious daughter, Rachael.  

Per George's wishes, funeral services will not be observed. Barkdull Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements.

Memorial expressions may be made to www.IFOPA.org or by mail to IFOPA, PO Box 800084, Kansas City, MO 64180.

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