Paul W. McKown, 83, passed peacefully, surrounded by his family, on August 1, 2018, at Hubbard Hospice House in Charleston, WV.
Born
in Millstone WV and raised in Lookout, he was the son of the late Evan and Shirley Powell McKown.
Known to many as "Coach" and to family as "Paps," he is survived by his beloved wife Shirley and four children, Mike (Gina) McKown, Jody (Sandy) McKown, Stephanie (Joey) Johnson, and Julie Snyder; twelve grandchildren, Bo, Nelson, Sam, Luke, Joe and Evan McKown, Eric (Jodi) Johnson, Jamie (Alicia) Johnson, Cassidy and Jillie Webb, and Evelyn and Lily Snyder; and ten great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two brothers, Ted (Katie) McKown, Frank (Debra) McKown, a sister, Marti (Paul) Booth, and a sister-in-law Nancy McKown.
He was preceded in death by sisters, Helen Wade and Lou Lilly, brothers Bob, Ed, Charles and Jack McKown.
Paul served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Following his discharge, he returned to school and graduated from Glenville State College, where he was a three-sport letterman, played on one of Glenville State's undefeated football teams and received the distinction of being named to the all-conference team as a running back. In keeping with his sports interests, he continued to make sure the rules were followed by being a WVIAC basketball official for a span of more than 20 years.
As a teacher and coach at Fayetteville High School from 1959-1977, he was heavily involved in community and school events. Working with the youth was his passion. He moved into an administrative position with Fayette County Schools in 1978 when he became Director of Transportation.
He served a term in the WV House of Delegates (1977-78) and gained a new passion. As president of the WV Retailers Association for 22 years, he kept his feet firmly planted in government affairs through his lobbying efforts. He often said, "It's been a good life."
A Memorial Service to celebrate his life will be held at St. Marks United Methodist Church on Saturday, August 18, at 1:30 p.m. with the Reverend Anne Pruett-Barnett officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service and a reception will follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Paul's memory to Hospice Care, 1606 Kanawha Blvd. West, Charleston, WV 25387, or to St. Marks United Methodist Church, 900 Washington St East, Charleston, WV 25301.
Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home, Charleston has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Condolences may be made at www.barlowbonsall.com |
