Donald L Mckendry

Donald Lester McKendry, 76, passed away on Friday, March 10, 2017 while in the care of Select Specialty Hospital of Newark.  Don was born in Zanesville, Ohio to Lester and Charlotte (Bliss) McKendry on September 22, 1940.  He enjoyed simple things such as mowing the grass and landscaping, doing crossword and jigsaw puzzles, watching Jeopardy, traveling, watching college and John Glenn sports, and most especially spending time with and playing with his grandchildren.  He belonged to the Lions Club, the Rotary, the Muskie 200 Club, the John Glenn Boosters, the M Club, and was a longtime and active member of the New Concord United Methodist Church.

Don had two great passions in his life, aside from his family, he was an educator, and he loved his community of New Concord.  Don graduated New Concord High School in 1958, and in 1962 became a Muskingum College graduate.  He eventually went on to earn his Master’s Degree from Ohio University.  Don served as a math teacher, a coach, an Athletic Director, and a Principal in the East Muskingum School District.  From 1990 to 2003 he was Muskingum College’s Alumni Director, a Field Supervisor for Student teachers, and a Certification Officer in the Education Dept.  He is a member of the John Glenn High School Athletic and Alumni Hall of Fame.  He received the Distinguished Service Award of Muskingum College.  He was also the Executive Director and Director Emeritus of the John and Annie Glenn Historic Site Museum.  He was the recipient of the Father of the Year Award from Forever Dads of Muskingum County.  He was a huge supporter of the Fighting Muskies and Little Muskies.

Don is survived by his loving wife of 52 ½ years, Jean (Welker) McKendry, whom he married on August 1, 1964.  He leaves to cherish his memory his son, Craig (Marcy) McKendry, and his daughter, Julie (Michael) Matheny.  He will be deeply missed by his grandchildren Clayton, Nolan, and Madeline, his brother, John McKendry, and his sister, Evelyn Hayes, as well as a host of friends, former co-workers, nieces, nephews, and his church family.

Friends and family are welcome to attend Calling Hours for Don on Monday, March 13 at the New Concord United Methodist Church from 2 to 8PM.  Services will follow on Tuesday, with a calling hour from 10 to 11am, services starting sharply at 11.  Burial will be held at Pleasant Hill Cemetery.  Rev. Karen Graham will officiate.  In lieu of flowers the family requests that to celebrate Don’s legacy of inspiring young minds, contributions may be made to the East Muskingum Student Endowment fund for a scholarship in his name to support future Muskies.  Donations may be sent to: East Muskingum District Office, C/O Don McKendry Scholarship, 13505 John Glenn School Road, New Concord, Ohio 43762. Or donations may be made to the New Concord United Methodist Memorial Fund, 20 E High St, New Concord, OH 43762.   The family would like to thank the staff at Primrose Retirement Community of Zanesville, Genesis Hospital, and Select Specialty Hospital for the care they gave to Don.