Carroll Dean McAninch

Carroll Dean McAninch (Mac) was born on December 31, 1926 in Mt. Ayr, Iowa to Eban and Bertha Overholser McAninch. He was preceded in death by his older siblings, Betty Barker and James Barton McAninch. He was married in 1952 to Helen Jean Andrews who died in 2020. Mac leaves behind one daughter, Carol Jean McAninch and two sons and their wives; Randall Lee and Leslie McAninch and Dale Michael and Amy McAninch. He is survived by five grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

Mac's mother was widowed when he was a young child and his maternal grandparents assisted in caring for the family while Bertha worked as a telephone operator to support her children. Mac graduated from Mt. Ayr High School in 1945 and entered the army a few months later. He joined the Army from 1945 - 1947 and served in Korea. Upon his honorable discharge he attended Iowa State College from 1947 - 1951 when he graduated with a BS in Forest Utilization. Following his college education he attended the National Hardwood Lumber Association School in Memphis, Tennessee from 1951-1952. While there he went on a blind date set up by a friend, met Helen and fell in love. They married shortly after he completed his training. Following a brief employment with a lumber company he joined the US Forest Service where he spent his professional career.

Helen and Mac raised their family in Colorado. They were active in various local Southern Baptist Churches in the cities and towns where he was stationed: Pagosa Springs, Del Norte, Durango and Lakewood. He was a dedicated Christian who served as a deacon and choir member throughout his life. He lived out his faith as a loving and devoted husband and father. He exemplified the fruit of the Spirit; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Along with Helen he created a home where all were treated with respect and welcome. Many social events of the church were hosted in the McAninch home. As the children grew, their friends and later spouses were treated as loved family members. His children knew that he would always be there for them whenever he was needed.

After retirement, Mac kept busy as a meals-on-wheels and soup kitchen volunteer. He was active in supporting the vulnerable members of the church and community. We will miss his warmth and love but rest in the assurance that he is with Helen and other beloved ones in heaven with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MartinMortuary.com for the McAninch family.