Edward Pierson McKeown

June 18, 1936 – July 3, 2026

Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Edward Pierson McKeown was born in Benton Harbor, Michigan to Edward McKeown and Margaret Shepard McKeown. His family moved to Pomona, California in 1953 and he graduated from Pomona High School in 1954. Ed was proud to have served in the Army National Guard from 1954 to 1962.

Ed was a mold maker by trade, employed by Pacific Molds and Caco-Pacific before becoming a founding partner and President of the highly successful Fairway Molds, in Walnut, California.

In 1962, Ed married Carol Schmelzle. Together they had four children: Beth Ochoa (Michael), Margaret McKeown, Edward McKeown (Karen), and John McKeown (Bridget). They are the proud grandparents of five grandsons: Pierson and Graham Ochoa, Thomas, Conor, and Rory McKeown.

Ed was one of six siblings and is survived by his brother William. He was predeceased by his brothers Mark and Steve, and sisters Kathleen Mulligan and Susan Deitz.

Ed was a man of extraordinary talent with many interests. A true outdoorsman, he spent countless hours deep sea fishing in his favorite place in the world, Bay of Los Angeles, Baja California, where time spent with his “adopted” local family was as cherished as the fishing. When not fishing, Ed was often hunting and hiking the deserts and hills of California and Nevada. He was a banjo player, master craftsman, competitive trap shooter, and storyteller extraordinaire. Ed once raced a car in the Winter Nationals, restored and was the proud owner of a 1933 Ford 3-window coupe, and a 1932 Ford 3-window coupe that he enjoyed driving around town, and was proud to ride a Harley Davidson Bad Boy. He was also an avid reader. Ed was also a passionate gardener who got great pleasure sharing avocados, citrus, and vegetables with family, friends and neighbors.

Throughout their 64-year marriage, Ed and Carol enjoyed traveling through California and Nevada, spending precious time at their favorite spots: the California Missions, Morro Bay, Carmel-By-The-Sea, Napa Valley, Coronado Island, Las Vegas, Red Rock Canyon, and Valley of Fire.

Ed knew no strangers. He will be missed by all who were blessed enough to know him.

Funeral Services will be held August 7 at 10:00 am at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 435 Berkeley Ave., Claremont, CA.

Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to:

Mary’s Mercy Center

PO Box 7563

San Bernardino, CA 92411

The family wishes to thank the caregivers at Oakmont Assisted Living and Elite Hospice.

Vaya con Dios, Ed. We’ll miss you