Joel Mercer McKean

Brigadier General (retired) Joel Mercer McKean, 90, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, after a brief illness, in Richmond, Virginia. He was surrounded by family as he received his final orders to return to the Lord.

Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he was raised by James and Clara McKean. A devoted family man, lifelong scholar, and man of faith, Joel’s life was driven by a sense of duty. This sense of duty led to an unwavering commitment to not only serve our country for over 30 years, but to also serve as a loving husband to his wife, Carol, with whom he shared 66 beautiful years.

Joel’s military career spanned a wide range of roles, and was characterized by achievement and excellence. His military service was complemented by extensive education, from a B.A. in mathematics from Gettysburg College to a doctorate in mathematics from the University of Pittsburgh. He was also a graduate of the National War College, the Institute of Higher Defense Studies, and the Harvard University Senior Executives Program in National and International Security.

Joel earned his commission and observer wings in 1954 at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. As a 1st Lt, he played a vital role in the Titan II missile program, earning recognition as the first deputy promoted to a command position. He was one of the dedicated service members in a missile bunker during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Notably, after earning his Phd, Joel served as a mathematics faculty member at the U.S. Air Force Academy from 1968 to 1972.

After leaving the academy, Joel’s military career consisted of strategic advisory and diplomatic contributions in arms control talks along with command roles. He commanded both missile and bomber branches at Strategic Air Command Headquarters, Offutt Air Force Base and expertly advised as a Joint Chiefs of Staff representative to the U.S. Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) delegation. Additionally, he served as chief of the Strategic Bomber Division at the Pentagon. Because of his expertise, he was appointed executive secretary of the U.S. SALT II delegation and was serving in that position when the historic treaty was signed. Upon return to the United States, Joel took on multiple different roles to continue assurance of national security at the Pentagon.

He ultimately retired as a Brigadier General, after serving as the commander of Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul, IL in his final military role. At the time of his retirement, he held the aeronautical rating of performance engineer and wore the Command Missile Badge. His awards throughout his career included the Defense Superior Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, Air Force Commendation Medal and National Defense Service Medal. He was also awarded the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency’s Meritorious Honor Award.

Upon retirement from the military, Joel continued his dedication to public service by serving as the President of the Pennsylvania Coal Association and President of Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kansas. His passions in retirement included spending time with his family, woodworking, golfing and removing land mines from war torn countries. He adapted well to changes in technology, and regularly texted his grandchildren to maintain close relationships with them.

Left to cherish his memory and uphold his legacy are his wife, Carol, and the four children they share: Caryn Bursiek (Brian), Paul (Anna), James (Helen), and Laurie Brady (Bill). He was a proud grandfather to, Jacob, Caleb, Joshua, Ellie, Ashlyn, Lea, Kristina, Juliana, and Kara, and a proud great-grandfather to Carly, Penelope, Dillon, Will, and Avery. There are many extended family members and friends who will also continue to share his story and champion the ideals he upheld every day. Joel told fantastic stories, from his pursuits on the golf course to recounts of diplomacy efforts abroad. His sharp mind, impeccable comedic timing, love for his family, and humility despite his numerous accomplishments will be greatly missed.

We will be forever grateful for the compassionate, caring, dedicated staffs in the ER and MSTICU at Chippenham Hospital who attended to not only Joel, but also to our family in our time of need. We also are thankful for Pastor Philip Martin. His spiritual guidance was extremely comforting to Joel and our family.

A memorial service will be held at Epiphany Lutheran Church in Richmond, VA on November 4, 2023 at 11am.

Joel will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery with full honors.