Alan Lee McDermott

Alan Lee McDermott, age 83, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Monday, April 1, 2024, having lived an abundant and joy-filled life. He was born May 19, 1940 in Tiltonsville, OH, the only son of the late John and Ethyl (Steese) McDermott. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a cherished friend to many. Alan “Hawkeye” graduated from Warren Consolidated (OH) High School and attended Ohio University and The Ohio State University. He honorably served our nation in the U.S. Air Force - Air National Guard. After a career as Marketing Director at American Electric Power, he became a travel agent to share his vast expertise plus he worked part time as a funeral attendant helping others. He was a proud member of the North Columbus Jaycees since 1968, Alan dedicated his time and energy to serving his community, as their President, District Representative, and State Vice President. He believed in making a positive impact and was admired for his selflessness and dedication to helping others. He was awarded a JCI Senator and cited as an Outstanding Young Man of America in 1971, and was an active member of Elks Lodge 1912 in Madeira Beach, FL where he held several offices, House Committee Chair and Trustee. He also served many years as President of the La Costa Brava Condo Association in Treasure Island, FL. He loved and was proud of his 4 amazing children, their spouses, 7 fabulous grandchildren, and his soon to arrive great-granddaughter. His legacy lives on through his loving wife of 59 years to Judy (Greenawalt) McDermott and children: Kathy McDermott Loos (Rich) of New Albany, OH, Amy McDermott Frost (Scott) of Marietta, GA, Michael McDermott (Jayna Wallace) of Columbus, OH and John McDermott (Corissa) of Scottsdale AZ; his 7 treasured grandchildren, Nathan, Grant and Olivia Loos, Ashley and Alex Frost, Carlie Kopp and Allison McDermott, Sisters-in-Laws Sandy (Greenawalt) Hall and Lita (Chapman) Greenawalt, and many nieces and nephews. He enjoyed reading mystery, Civil War and World War II novels and spent many hours researching his extended family tree. He will always be remembered for his comedic quick wit, charming personality, and fervor for any new gadget or technology. He loved making people smile with his lighthearted, mischievous, silly hats and pranks. He made everyone he met feel special. Friends describe Alan “as the nicest guy they ever met”. He was an ardent sports enthusiast. He played basketball against soon-to-be NBA Hall of Famer, John Havlicek and played on a baseball team with soon-to-be Hall of Famer, Bill Mazeroski. As a fan, he loved no team more than his childhood favorites, the Cleveland Browns. Witnessing the team win multiple NFL Championships (pre-Super Bowl), in person, with his father, was one of his most cherished memories. Alan and Judy lived in Worthington, OH for 33 years and were avid Ohio State University sports enthusiasts; holding season tickets to Football and Basketball for 25 years. They were members of the Sarasota/Manatee Ohio State Alumni group. Many will fondly remember tailgating at their motorhome outside of countless Buckeye games. They loved to travel. They visited 48 US states, 10 European countries and went on multiple Caribbean and European cruises. Upon retirement in Ohio, they took to the open road in their motorhome for a 3-month cross-country trip, exploring many of the USA National Parks and our magnificent west coast. The journey ended in Treasure Island, FL, where they lived for 23 years until last July when they moved to Marietta, GA to be closer to family. A celebratory Mass will be held at 11am on April 9, 2024 at The Catholic Church of St. Ann in Marietta, GA followed by a celebration of life gathering at Winkenhofer Pine Ridge Funeral Home Event House from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM in Kennesaw, GA. The mass can be livestreamed from the Catholic Church of St. Ann website. In lieu of Flowers the family requests donations be made to John Hopkins All Children’s Foundation Guild, the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida, and the Catholic Church of St Ann Bereavement Ministry.