Ira William McKeown Jr.

Ira William “Bill” “Mac” McKeown, Jr. , born October 6, 1924 in Houston, Texas, passed away peacefully at home on December 14, 2016. He attended Jeff Davis High School, played football state champion 1941, attended Harvard Business, Stanford Business and Cal Tech Public Relations.

He married his high school sweetheart, Joyce Parish on August 23, 1941. He joined the U.S. Navy the day after the attack on Pearl Harbor. He served 4 years as Chief Petty Officer water tender, 9 major campaigns, serving aboard on the USS Wadsworth when the Japanese surrendered. He received 2 Bronze Stars and Presidential Citation.

He returned home and went to work for Southern Pacific Railroad and retired after 38 years. Starting as engineer and retiring as Houston Superintendent. He was a member of Woodland Masonic Lodge #1151, 32o Scottish Rite, Arabia Shriner, Arabian Knights, Director Staff, Sportsmans Club, Bowlers Club, Hot Rods Club, Roustabouts Club, Patrol Poker Players Club all of Houston, Baytown Shriners Club, San Jacinto Shriners Club, Archives OES Chapter 1095, American Legion #521, Loyal Order of The Moose Lodge #1721, and Honorary Texas Ranger.

Bill was one of the hardest working men and gave his all in any job given. He was an avid Texas Longhorn and Dallas Cowboy fan. He especially loved selling Circus for the Shriners Children’s Hospital being the top salesman for the last 17 years.

Bill is survived by daughters, Kathi Gunn and Donna Jean “D.J.” Sandel; grandchildren, Regina Troch and husband Rodney, Jody Curd and husband Joe, Zachary Gunn and wife Chelsea, Kati Gunn, J.R. “Bubba” Slovak, Stacey Wallace and Husband Casey, Chad Sandel and Kim, Jody Anderson and husband Jim; 9 great grandchildren; brother, Jack McKeown and wife Jeri; niece, Judy Williams and husband Herman; and many wonderful friends.

He is preceded in death by daughter, Patricia Clemens and wife, Bobby Jo McKeown.

Visitation will be held Saturday, December 17, 2016 at 10:00am with the Service to start at 10:30am at Grand View Funeral Home, 8501 Spencer Highway, Pasadena, Texas 77505.

In lieu of usual remembrances, the family encourages donations in Bill’s name to:

Arabian Shrine Temple

10510 Harwin Drive

Houston Texas 77036

Honorary pallbearers are Zachary Gunn, J.R. “Bubba” Slovak, Chad Sandel, Casey Wallace, Don Slaton, Marc Miller and Jerry Gantt.