Richard "Mac" McNary

Richard Dean “Mac” McNary passed away peacefully on June 10, 2024 in Louisville KY. He was 84 years old. Mac was the youngest of eight children born to Thomas D. McNary and Eleanor M. (Gage) McNary in the small town of Kellogg, MN. He was the apple of his mother’s eye and was spoiled rotten. Throughout his childhood, he developed many lifelong friendships and a great love for Polka music and dancing. He graduated from St. Felix High School in Wabasha MN and then enlisted in the US Air Force soon after. He served honorably for 26 years with assignments across the country and around the world. Serving in the US Armed Forces was one of the proudest achievements of his life. Notable active duty assignments included over a year long assignment in Vietnam during the Vietnam War and a stint at Yakota AFB in Japan where he met his beautiful wife of over 50 years, Michiko Kitamura.

Mac retired from the Air Force at Wright-Patterson AFB in Dayton, OH and settled there to work in the Air Force Civilian Service as a Logistician and Security Specialist. He retired from civilian service after 18 years of service. They lived in Dayton, OH for over 30 years and considered it their home.

Mac and Michiko traveled the world with their family where they shared many wonderful experiences and cherished memories. They enjoyed traveling, visiting horse racing tracks, and spending time at casinos. Mac was an outgoing person who enjoyed being with others. He loved to laugh and make others laugh.

Mac moved to Louisville KY in 2014 after the death of his beloved wife to be closer to family. He is also preceded in death by his mother, father, his six sisters, Ruth McNary, Lorraine Johnson, Rose Ann Zgoda, Mary Schouweiler, Maxine Feliciano, and Geraldine Roundy, and his brother Thomas McNary. He is survived by his three daughters, Joan Fries (Steve), Jackie Hale (Andy), and June O’Rourke (Hugh), his nine grandchildren Jessica Brauer, Jennifer Brazee (Chris), Jacob Hale, Julia Kirby (Eddie), Justin O’Rourke (Jennie), Jordan Fries, PFC James O’Rourke, Jillian Fries, and Joseph O’Rourke, and his two great granddaughters, Avery Brauer and Evalyn Kirby.

A private family service will be held later this month at Advantage Funeral and Cremation Services-Hardy Chapel. Inurnment for both he and his wife will be at the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery Central in Radcliff KY. In lieu of flowers the family requests that you please send a donation in his honor to your favorite Veterans organization.