John McKoin
d. July 25, 2017
John McKoin
Listen to Obituary
John Allen McKoin II passed away on July 25th at the age of 78 at Presbyterian Village after a long battle with Alzheimer's.
John was born on August 19th in El Dorado, Arkansas to John and Florence McKoin. He graduated from Central High School in 1957 and was active in the school band. He became a third generation railroad employee when he signed on with Union Pacific Railroad. He remained one of the most punctual and dedicated employees for 40 years. After many years of being a bachelor he realized that the perfect girl was right in front of him and married the girl across the street, Hazel McKinney, in 1971. John "squirrel" and Hazel "rabbit" enjoyed many years together before welcoming a daughter, Rachel, in 1980.
John was a unique character to be sure and dedicated to routine. During Rachel's childhood every day after work he would visit his father to pick up Rachel and before leaving would have to have his glass of Coke, 2 of each cookie (vanilla wafers, chips ahoy and fig newtons) then watch the weather on the 5:00 news before going home. At 6pm he would feed the cats followed by a 30 minute phone call with the father he had just left who lived 5 minutes away. This he did 5 days a week. Grocery day was on Monday, Shower day on Saturday and dinner at Wyatts Cafeteria on Friday nights. Even in the hot Arkansas summer you would always find him in a flannel shirt and jeans, usually paired with a sweater and warm coat. He recycled well before it was a common occurrence and spent many years as a faithful member of Friends in Faith at Trinity United Methodist Church before joining Second Presbyterian. He unsuccessfully tried to teach Rachel how to drive in 1995.
Although frustrated to upset routine, he gave his daughter away in marriage to Trae Ellis in 2002. In 2007 he officially became Papa John upon the birth of his first granddaughter, Evelyn Marie Ellis (Evie). He enjoyed reading the newspaper daily, drinking Coca cola and lunches at Frankes Cafeteria in retirement. In 2012, his second granddaughter Elise (Ellie) Ellis was born. Elise was John's kindred spirit in being strong willed and undeterred. While they never got to know each other too well due to the perils of Alzheimer's, there was once a battle of the wills over a gift one Christmas. It was a stalemate. However, John's love of Elvis was passed on and he enjoyed knowing Ellie ice skated to Elvis' "Devil in Disguise" for him last fall. His love of squirrels will also live on through his event squirrel daughter Rachel. John will be remembered for his dedicated work ethic, strong willed attitude and fierce loyalty. There was always only one John McKoin who lived life by his own terms.
John is survived by his wife of over 45 years, Hazel, his daughter Rachel Ellis, son in law Trae and granddaughters Evie and Elise. He was preceded in death by his parents John and Florence McKoin.
A funeral will be Friday, July 28 at 10:00 a.m. at Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct. (NW corner I-630 and Barrow Rd.), officiated by Rev. Lindy Vogado.. All are welcome to attend and celebrate John's life. In keeping with how John would have wanted it, this will be a short service to not keep one from their "schedule".
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to your favorite charity of choice. The family would like to thank Robert Cortinez Jr., Tracy Page, Nancy Hamlin, his caregiver Clara, Barbara Berry, Second Presbyterian Church, Amanda DiPippa, Jennifer Miller, Mallory Cupples, Kathy Feehan, Kathy Knapp-Mansfield, The Ellis Family, Rachel's work family at the Office of Attorney General Leslie Rutledge and numerous others for their care and support.
8801 Knoedl Ct
Little Rock, AR, 72205
John was born on August 19th in El Dorado, Arkansas to John and Florence McKoin. He graduated from Central High School in 1957 and was active in the school band. He became a third generation railroad employee when he signed on with Union Pacific Railroad. He remained one of the most punctual and dedicated employees for 40 years. After many years of being a bachelor he realized that the perfect girl was right in front of him and married the girl across the street, Hazel McKinney, in 1971. John "squirrel" and Hazel "rabbit" enjoyed many years together before welcoming a daughter, Rachel, in 1980.
John was a unique character to be sure and dedicated to routine. During Rachel's childhood every day after work he would visit his father to pick up Rachel and before leaving would have to have his glass of Coke, 2 of each cookie (vanilla wafers, chips ahoy and fig newtons) then watch the weather on the 5:00 news before going home. At 6pm he would feed the cats followed by a 30 minute phone call with the father he had just left who lived 5 minutes away. This he did 5 days a week. Grocery day was on Monday, Shower day on Saturday and dinner at Wyatts Cafeteria on Friday nights. Even in the hot Arkansas summer you would always find him in a flannel shirt and jeans, usually paired with a sweater and warm coat. He recycled well before it was a common occurrence and spent many years as a faithful member of Friends in Faith at Trinity United Methodist Church before joining Second Presbyterian. He unsuccessfully tried to teach Rachel how to drive in 1995.
Although frustrated to upset routine, he gave his daughter away in marriage to Trae Ellis in 2002. In 2007 he officially became Papa John upon the birth of his first granddaughter, Evelyn Marie Ellis (Evie). He enjoyed reading the newspaper daily, drinking Coca cola and lunches at Frankes Cafeteria in retirement. In 2012, his second granddaughter Elise (Ellie) Ellis was born. Elise was John's kindred spirit in being strong willed and undeterred. While they never got to know each other too well due to the perils of Alzheimer's, there was once a battle of the wills over a gift one Christmas. It was a stalemate. However, John's love of Elvis was passed on and he enjoyed knowing Ellie ice skated to Elvis' "Devil in Disguise" for him last fall. His love of squirrels will also live on through his event squirrel daughter Rachel. John will be remembered for his dedicated work ethic, strong willed attitude and fierce loyalty. There was always only one John McKoin who lived life by his own terms.
John is survived by his wife of over 45 years, Hazel, his daughter Rachel Ellis, son in law Trae and granddaughters Evie and Elise. He was preceded in death by his parents John and Florence McKoin.
A funeral will be Friday, July 28 at 10:00 a.m. at Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct. (NW corner I-630 and Barrow Rd.), officiated by Rev. Lindy Vogado.. All are welcome to attend and celebrate John's life. In keeping with how John would have wanted it, this will be a short service to not keep one from their "schedule".
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to your favorite charity of choice. The family would like to thank Robert Cortinez Jr., Tracy Page, Nancy Hamlin, his caregiver Clara, Barbara Berry, Second Presbyterian Church, Amanda DiPippa, Jennifer Miller, Mallory Cupples, Kathy Feehan, Kathy Knapp-Mansfield, The Ellis Family, Rachel's work family at the Office of Attorney General Leslie Rutledge and numerous others for their care and support.
Funeral Service
JUL 28. 10:00 AM (CDT)
Little Rock Funeral Home8801 Knoedl Ct
Little Rock, AR, 72205
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