Robert “Bob” McNew

Saturday, June 29, 2024 6:43 pm

Robert “Bob” Dean McNew 85, of Lexington, KY., passed away peacefully at home on
June 27, 2024.
The son of Ray and Thelma (Eckwall) McNew, Bob was born Feb. 19, 1939 in Fairfield
Iowa. He graduated from Fairfield High School in 1957, Parsons College in 1961, and received
his Masters from the University of Northern Colorado in 1964. He married Ann Peck on October
25, 1958 in East Pleasant Plain, Iowa.
Bob enjoyed 38 years as an educator and coach. He taught physical education, coached
football and other sports as needed, at the Iowa communities of Humboldt, Maquoketa, South
Winneshiek of Calmar, Crestwood of Howard Winneshiek in Cresco, and Lea College in Albert
Lea, Minnesota. He compared sports to the Game of Life: “It’s not if you win or lose, but how
you play the game.” Teaching the ‘total’ person was important to him, not just coaching up their
athletic abilities. He was a sports enthusiast, badminton player extraordinaire, loved music, and
regretted not playing the piano. He was an honored member of the Iowa Football Coaches Hall
of Fame and served a term as President of the Iowa Football Coaches Association. He proudly
served in the Iowa National Guard for seven years.
In retirement Bob and Ann moved to Bella Vista, Arkansas in 2001. He enjoyed golfing,
bowling, playing cards, volunteering at University of Arkansas track meets and LPGA golf
tournaments, and church leadership as “take a knee Bob”. They moved to Lexington, Kentucky
in 2020 to be closer to family.
Bob will be greatly missed by Ann, his wife of 65 years; their children Curt (Scheila) of Eaton
Ohio, Doug (Charlotte) of Ames Iowa, and Sheri of Lexington, KY.; their grandsons (Rob
(Kayla), Daniel, and Charles (Markee) all of New Lebanon, Ohio; and their great-grandchildren
James, Bethany, Nancie Mae, Isabel, Brody, Isaac, and Adalynn.
The family would like to thank Bluegrass Hospice Care and Comfort Keepers for their care
and support. Bob was proceeded in death by his parents Ray and Thelma McNew.
The date for a Celebration of Life in Fairfield will be determined. Memorial
contributions may be made to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). Cards and memorials
may be mailed to Ann McNew, 1783 Timber Creek Drive, Lexington, KY 40509.