Funeral services for Alexander Selkirk “Kirk” McKean, Jr., age 83 of Ruston, LA will be held at 2:00 PM, Friday, October 22, 2021 at Owens Memorial Chapel in Ruston, LA with Bro. Ronnie Sanders officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Cemetery in Ruston under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Ruston.
On October 15, 2021, Kirk experienced the moment he had dreamed of for most of his life as he entered the warm embrace of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was born on November 25, 1937 to A.S. McKean, Sr. and Granville McKean in Baton Rouge, LA. While in high school, he would meet his future wife, Jane Marquart. Kirk and Jane were married on December 6, 1958. In May of 1959 he graduated from LSU with a degree in Physical Education and Recreation.
Kirk began his career working for the YMCA after marrying Jane. That role would take him, Jane and their four daughters all over the country. They would end up serving on the East Coast, West Coast, Gulf Coast, around the Great Lakes, and countless spots in between. Over his career he worked as a Camp Director, Conference Center Director and a School Administrator. In the 1970’s, they set some roots when they moved to Asheville, NC to work at Ben Lippen School. Asheville and the surrounding mountains would become a favorite spot of theirs. They would return to Louisiana in the 1980’s, before moving to Little Rock, AR in the early 1990’s. Kirk and Jane eventually returned to the Asheville area in 1999 for nearly a decade, before finally retiring in Ruston, LA in 2008.
Throughout his life, Kirk relied on his faith in God and that faith never wavered. In addition to this career, Kirk went on countless mission trips all over the country. One of his favorite spots was the JAARS center of Wycliffe Bible Translators. He was driven to have every man, woman and child to be able to read His Word in their own heart language. He also served faithfully in the churches where they lived, including being a Sunday School teacher as well as serving as an elder or deacon. Preceding Kirk in death were his parents, A.S. McKean, Sr. and Granville McKean; his sister, Ginger Blaylock and her husband, Lt. Col. Bobby Blaylock.
Kirk is survived by his wife of sixty-two years, Jane Marquart McKean of Ruston, LA; daughters: Debbie and husband Ron Washburn of Lexington, NC, Sandee and husband Jimmy Sledge of Ruston, LA, Kathy and husband, David Mobley of Piperton, TN and Tricia and husband Chris DeHarty of Sioux City, IA; grandchildren: Seth Guest and wife Heather, Courtney Washburn, JJ Sledge, Bethany Washburn, Alex Mobley, Heather Davis, Megan Mobley, Trenton Mobley, Zach DeHarty and Zoey DeHarty; great-grandchildren: Braxton, Leeland, Trevin, Breyson, Adelynn and Averie; sister-in-law, Carol and husband Buddy Shirley; numerous nieces, nephews and countless friends made throughout his lifetime.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Osafo, Dr. Marquardt, the doctors at Northern Louisiana Medical Center and M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, and all the doctors and nurses and others who have helped Kirk over the last year. The family also thanks everyone for all of the prayers, love and support over the past few weeks and months.
Serving as pallbearers will be Jimmy Sledge, Ron Washburn, David Mobley, J.J. Sledge, Alex Mobley, Trenton Mobley and Chris DeHarty. Honorary pallbearers are Steve Coyle, Zach DeHarty and Trevin Hedrick.
Visitation will be held from 12:00-1:30 PM, Friday, October 22, 2021 at Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home in Ruston, LA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Wycliffe Bible Translators. To leave an online memorial message for the family, please visit www.owensmemorialfuneralhome.com.
