Anneliese Agnes Deitenbeck McCain

Agnes, as she was known to most, was born in Stuttgart-Feuerbach Germany, the first child of Karl and Anna Deitenbeck. She is survived by her husband, Kenneth D. McCain, son Dr. Wilfred C. McCain and wife Sandra of Maryland, daughter Marilyn West of New Bern, grandchildren Kathy Phillips and her husband Danny, Jennifer McBride and husband Steve of Virginia, Erin West of New Bern, Derek West of Wilmington, four great grandchildren, Jade and Seth Cole of Wilmington, Arianna and Gavin McBride, her sister, Didi and husband Linwood Lawson of Missouri and her children, Bjoern, Pehr, and Pirijo, step grandchildren Jonathon Strauss and wife Amanda, Jeremy Strauss, Julianne Cusick and husband Sean and their son Blake.

Agnes grew up in Stuttgart-Weilimdorf, Germany during World War 2. She was employed as a switchboard operator at the Three Occupation Zones Council and later at the U. S. Army hospital in Stuttgart-Bad Cannstatt, where she met her husband in March 1952. They were married January 25 1954. That same year, they were transferred to Ft. Devens, Massachusetts. In February 1956, they left the Army and moved to New Bern. Agnes took a Data Processing course at Craven IEC, taught herself typing and shorthand and was employed at the Marine Corps Air Station as a secretary. After retiring, the couple traveled extensively, visiting 44 states, 20 foreign countries and Bermuda. Agnes was registered with the Boy Scouts of America for 20 years, serving as an Assistant District Commissioner, District Committee member, Council Camporee Registrar, member of the East Carolina Council Executive Board as recording secretary. She served on the staff of the 1989 National Jamboree as Office Manager for the Transportation Service. With her husband, she traveled to Australia for the World Jamboree. For her service, she was awarded the Scouter’s Training Award, Cub Scouter Award, Commissioner Key, District Award of Merit, Distinguished Commissioner Award, Lutheran Lamb Adult Scouter Award and the Silver Beaver Award. She was also a James E. West Fellow. . She enjoyed crafts, including needle work, knitting, woodcarving and decorating.

Agnes was an active member of St. Andrew Lutheran Church for 57 years, where her memorial service will be held 11:00 am, January 15, 2018, followed by interment in the columbarium.

In lieu of flowers, friends may make donations to the church or East Carolina Council, BSA.

Arrangements are entrusted to Cotton Funeral Home and Crematory.