May 3, 1927 – January 17, 2016
Theo Emery McKean, age 88, passed away Jan. 17, 2016, in St. George, Utah. He was born May 3, 1927, in Mt. Pleasant, Utah, to Theodorus Emery and Iva Shepherd McKean. He was raised on a farm in Birdseye, Utah. He attended public schools in Spanish Fork, Utah, and later attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, where he earned undergrad and graduate degrees.
He was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served an LDS mission in the Central Atlantic States. He married Leslie Lucille Martin Aug. 22, 1950, in the Salt Lake Temple.
Theo and Leslie raised four sons: Paul Shepherd McKean (Cerelina), Joseph Martin McKean (Angela), Matthew Emery McKean (Julie) and David Theo McKean (Leah). Grandchildren include: Jesse Paul McKean, Shaun Raymond McKean, Kelly Martin McKean, Joseph Kade McKean, Jasmine McKean Neider, Joshua Theo “JT” McKean, Jennica Leslie McKean and Matthew Coltt McKean. Great-grandchildren include Michael McKean, Jesse McKean, Celeste McKean, Cooper McKean, Ryder McKean, Shelby McKean and Harlie McKean.
Theo worked as a professional instructor for the Church. He was a gifted teacher who influenced his students by the example he set inside and outside the classroom. He taught teenagers and young adults in seminary and institute classes for many years and later worked in various positions at LDS church education headquarters in Salt Lake City.
Theo loved God, his wife, family, extended family and countless friends. He had a genuine love and respect for everybody and treated all people with love and kindness. He was a man of unwavering principles and strong work ethic. He always found a way to help others in need. All who knew him will miss him greatly.
Theo is survived by his wife, four children and their spouses, six of his grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and one sister, Maxine McKean Anderson (Gary Anderson-deceased).
He was preceded in death by his parents; six sisters and their spouses, Erma McKean Jones (Paul), Bonnie McKean Humphrey (Gordon), Afton McKean Brotherson (Tom), Velma McKean Davis (Laurence) and Beth McKean Mikkelson (Leon), Lois McKean Davis (Raymond); and two grandchildren, Kelly McKean and JT McKean.
Funeral services
- Funeral services will be held Saturday, Jan. 23, 11 a.m., at the St. George East Stake Center, 449 S. 300 East, St. George, Utah.
- There will be a viewing Friday evening, 6-7 p.m., at the Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S. Bluff St., St. George
- An additional viewing will be held prior to services Saturday, 9:30-10:30 a.m., at the Stake Center.
- Interment will take place in the Tonaquint Cemetery.
Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 435-673-2454. Friends and family are invited to sign Theo’s guestbook online.
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