Jack Neal McNevin
Jack Neal McNevin
A graveside service for Jack McNevin, 98, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, September 11, 2022, at Oak Lawn Cemetery.
World War II veteran, former Postmaster and lifelong West Plains resident, Jack Neal McNevin, entered into eternal rest on Friday, March 11, 2022 at the age of 98. Jack always had goals in his life and his most recent goal was to make it to age 105 and be shot in the back by a jealous husband.
He was born in Burkburnett, Texas to Charles Frederick and Mae Gertrude Renfrow McNevin on October 1, 1923. He graduated from West Plains High School with the Class of 1942. He joined the United States Marine Corps in 1943 and immediately left for World War II. He put his life on the line for his fellow Americans during the war, and while serving was awarded a Purple Heart for an injury sustained during the battle of Saipan. Jack married Marian Josephine Benefield on June 24, 1946 in Hernado, Mississippi; they were married for 70 years until Marian’s death in March, 2017. They were blessed with 4 daughters. Upon returning from the war, he began his United States Postal Service career. Jack worked for 33 years at the West Plains Post Office and retired at age 55 in 1979 as Postmaster. He loved to tell people that he had been retired longer than he ever worked. Jack was an active member and president of the Missouri Postmaster Association and was an active member of the National Postmaster Association during his tenure with the postal service. Being involved with the Missouri Postmaster Association and National Postmaster Association allowed Jack and Marian the opportunity to travel throughout the United States. One such event they attended was the inauguration of President Jimmy Carter. In 2012, Jack along with Marian, enjoyed being a part of The Honor Flight to Washington DC to see the World War II Memorial. In December of 2021, The West Plains Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution honored Jack as Veteran of the Month. Jack served as a Rotarian, an Elder at the First Christian Church, and was a member of the local Marine Corps League. He was honored by the Marine Corps in 2010 for his work with Toys for Tots. In 2011 NHC of West Plains recognized Jack by naming a wing of the facility in his honor. Jack was the named 2016 Distinguished Zizzer Alumnus; and in 2018 he was awarded an honorary Associates Degree from Missouri State University-West Plains. He was given a key to the City of West Plains for his involvement in the Marine Corps and was recognized by the West Plains Board of City Pride for keeping West Plains a litter free community. Jack was an advocate for education by supporting the endowed scholarship that he and Marian established at Missouri State University-West Plains in 2006. Because of their significant financial contributions, Jack and Marian were awarded membership in the Missouri State University’s Founders Club. Jack attended First Presbyterian Church in West Plains and was an active member of The Friends of the Garnett Library, the MSU-West Plains Grizzly Booster Club and the West Plains Zizzer Athletic Booster Club. Jack worked his entire life for the betterment of his favorite town, West Plains. After retirement there were many family roadtrip vacations taken with children and grandchildren. He was an avid weekly patron of the West Plains Public Library where he was treated like family. If Jack couldn’t be found at the library or Walmart, he could easily be seen on the fairways of the West Plains Country Club sporting the most vibrant pants. Jack took great pride in being the oldest member of WPCC. Golfing with the 12:30 Gang was always enjoyed by Jack until the age of 95.
He is survived by four daughters, Susie Warden of West Plains; Sandy McNevin of Wellington, Kansas; Sally Watkins of West Plains; and Sunie Pace of West Plains; one brother, Donald Paul “Pat” McNevin, Bloomfield, Indiana; 7 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; along with many nieces and nephews.
Jack was preceeded in death by his wife, Marian, parents, along with brothers Charles, Bill and Tom, and sisters Lois Cormier, Mary Belle McNevin, Dorothy Hammond, Pauline Chesnut, Norma Jean Leader, and son-in-law, Bo Pace.
Jack’s wishes were for his body to be donated to Genesis for medical research. A private family service will be held Saturday, April 9. A Celebration of Jack Mac’s life with a reception sharing two of Jack’s favorite things, friendship and memories, will be held from 1 to 4 pm at 204 East Main in West Plains at the Historic Post Office, where his postal career began.
Memorial contributions may be made to the West Plains Public Library or the McNevin Endowed Scholarship at Missouri State University-West Plains and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
David & Mallory Snodgras
March 14, 2022 @ 12:45 pm
To Jack’s family,
We are so sorry for your loss! We enjoy hearing Jack stories from Suzannah. We will miss seeing him drive around his favorite town and out and about at events. You all are in our prayers during this time. What a life he lived with such a wonderful legacy he left behind!
Trish Knox
March 14, 2022 @ 1:54 pm
Tiffany,
I was so sorry to hear about your grandfather’s passing. His obituary told the story of a man who lived a full and wonderful life. He accomplished so much, and at the same time cared about and helped other people. May these precious memories comfort you in the days ahead . You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Trish Knox ( Chuck Aborn’s sister)
Tiffany Ruhland
March 14, 2022 @ 6:59 pm
Thank you for your kind words Trish.
Dianna Duffel
March 14, 2022 @ 4:35 pm
Sunie, our thoughts and prayers are for you and the family. I pray God will comfort you and give you peace during this time of sorrow. Jack was such a great guy….once you met him you could never forget him. He was a sweetheart.
Lindall Heselton Mostajo
March 14, 2022 @ 6:00 pm
Thank you for this beautiful tribute. My daddy worked at the post office with Jack. He and Marian were so kind to us kids. And Jack’s brother Charles, was my uncle. He married my daddy’s sister Virginia. Sending prayers to the family. A great legacy is left for his generations. God bless you all.
Rhonda Newton
March 14, 2022 @ 6:37 pm
Jack McNevin WAS West Plains! Our family was blessed to be in his fairy circle for over 35 years. To know him was to love him. What a fabulous character! Everyone should “Seize the day,” as he did. Our prayers, love and hugs go out to the family. Your memories will sustain you until you see him again. Much love, Terry and Rhonda, Whitney and Benjamin and Tyler, Tabitha, Wyatt and Tillie
Teresa romans
March 14, 2022 @ 7:16 pm
A great loss to our community.
DeAun Judd
March 14, 2022 @ 7:26 pm
What an amazing man who raised some wonderful daughters. You will truly be missed but what a legacy you have left. May we all remember some amusing and humerus stories told by this special fella. You will always hold a special spot in our hearts. Love The Judd Family
Jim Streff
March 14, 2022 @ 11:18 pm
Sunie,
What a great run he had!
So glad I had the opportunity to play golf with him at WPCC a few years back. How I admired his grit and humor. Broke the mold after that one! I can only aspire to be likewise.
Love ya!
Hassel and Alice Vandergriff
March 15, 2022 @ 7:54 am
To Mr. McNevin’s daughters and all the family and his many friends, we are so sorry to hear of his passing. He did so much good for so many people, and he will be greatly missed. You are in our prayers. God bless and be with you all.
Amber Redburn
March 15, 2022 @ 8:42 am
Sunie, Sally, Susie, Sandy & Families,
We are keeping all of you in our daily prayers/thoughts. Jack was a wonderful, caring individual who had a Smile for everyone he met daily. He will be missed. May God continue to comfort, encourage, strengthen, and give all of you peace. May God Bless all of you.
In Christian Love,
Norris/Ivene Cozort
Tim, Amber, and Corby Redburn
Bill Weaver
March 15, 2022 @ 7:26 pm
West Plains has lost a true hero in many ways. He was an inspiration to all that knew him, always a smile and a good story to share. The last visit I had with Jack was of course in Walmart where we shared memories of friendships. He will truly be missed by everyone that knew him. I am blessed to call him a friend for many years. Prayers for your family and may you rest in peace Sir!
Debra Pettit
March 18, 2022 @ 4:45 pm
What a huge loss for the McNevin family, as well as for Jack’s “extended family” — the city of West Plains. I will miss Jack’s smile and great sense of humor. My deepest sympathy to his girls. He will be deeply missed by everyone who had the honor to know him.
Mike and Diana Pace
March 19, 2022 @ 3:06 pm
Sending our deepest condolences to all of the family. Jack was an amazing and talented person in so many ways. It was always enjoyable to visit with Jack. We will miss seeing him at the veterans and community events. We are keeping Jack’s family in our thoughts and prayers.
Ramona Cline Talburt
April 18, 2022 @ 9:06 pm
Condolences to your family. You guys are special people.
Paula K. Bodenhamer
September 11, 2022 @ 11:41 am
Prayers of peace and comfort for all of you.