Robert Neal McMeans Sr. went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Feb 15th, 2021.

Born at home on his grandfather’s farm in Dayton, PA on November 19, 1937 to Lena and Russell McMeans, Bob was preceded in death by his parents, and one sister, Janet Kay Weigel, grandparents, many aunts and uncles. Survived by his wife of 60 years, Jane Stuckey McMeans, his children; Robert Neal McMeans, Jr. (Mary Jane), Sandra K. Kiyak (Dr. James Kiyak), Scott R. McMeans (Jennifer) and grandchildren; Thomas McMeans, Melanie McMeans, Ryan Schlembach, Christopher Schlembach, Emily Christiansen (Robert Christiansen), Julia Kiyak (Jared Omick- fiancé), Katie McMeans, Kevin McMeans, and great-grandson Daniel Schlembach. In addition, sister-in-law, Julia Nicholson, brother-in-law Dr. Jesse Weigel, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Raised in Pittsburgh, PA where he attended school, Bob started his career with the railroad, a family tradition, on the Pennsylvania Railroad, immediately after high school graduation and was probably the last generation to have worked his way up through the ranks, ultimately in Labor Relations management at the time of retirement in 1998. He was proud of his 42 years of service which included employment with the Pennsylvania Railroad, which later became the Penn Central Railroad and finally ConRail after various mergers and acquisitions. He was respected for his sound judgement and even temperament. His job resulted in multiple transfers to facilities from Pittsburgh, PA, to Fort Wayne, IN, Toledo, OH, Dearborn, MI, Harrisburg, PA and finally Marlton, NJ where he retired. The family always managed to make their new residence their home and also made a multitude of new friends from various parts of the country as a result of these relocations. After retirement, Bob and his wife, Jane, moved from New Jersey to Manitowoc, WI to live closer to two of their three children and have enjoyed the opportunities to attend Grandparents Day, swim meets, football and basketball games, dance recitals, graduations and weddings. Bob and Jane enjoyed traveling to San Diego to visit Bob McMeans Jr’s family where he served as a U.S. Navy Seal for 22 years. Bob loved God and his family above all and always put them first. He was proud of his children and grandchildren and their accomplishments and loved them dearly.

His childhood and teenage years were spent on his grandfather’s farm in the summer and holidays where he had many special memories of milking the cows, working the crops, and having wonderful family gatherings. His Christian faith and close family relationships shaped him into the man he became. He was always willing to help someone in need and was a kind and generous person. He loved to share stories of the farm and his experiences. He was also an avid hunter, fisherman, and played golf. Bob loved watching sports, especially devoted to the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pittsburgh Pirates but he did support the Green Bay Packers, if they weren’t playing the Steelers. He grew up on Pittsburgh cuisine, chipped ham, Skyscraper ice cream cones, and Klondikes.

He served in the United States Army from 1960-1966; he was 2 years active duty and 4 years reserves. One year in Fort Rucker Alabama during the Berlin crisis.

Most of all Bob was a man of God who worshiped regularly, read and studied scripture, and was an active member of Hope Community Church where he served in various ministries. While in New Jersey he became a Stephen Minister and shared his ministry with many in need of someone to listen and encouragement. He loved the Lord with his whole heart and is now enjoying life in Heaven with those who went before him.

Cremation will occur at Pfeffer Funeral Home but there will be no formal memorial services for the safety of others during the pandemic. The family will hold a private celebration of life and burial of his remains at a later date at Fort Meigs Cemetery in Perrysburg, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Hope Community Church in Bob’s memory.

Provide comfort for the family by planting a tree in memory of Robert Neal McMeans Sr., please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.