Robert Neal McMeans Sr. went home to be with his Lord and Savior on February 15, 2021.
Born at home on his grandfather’s farm in Dayton, Pennsylvania, on November 19, 1937, to Lena and Russell McMeans, Bob was preceded in death by his parents; 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); 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, Pennsylvania, 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 to Fort Wayne, Indiana; Toledo, Ohio; Dearborn, Michigan; Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and finally Marlton, New Jersey, where he retired.
After retirement, Bob and his wife, Jane, moved from New Jersey to Manitowoc, Wisconsin, to live closer to two of their three children. He was proud of his children, grandchildren and their accomplishments, and loved them dearly.
Bob was a man of God who worshipped regularly, read and studied scripture, and was an active member of Hope Community Church, where he served in various ministries. He loved the Lord with his whole heart and is now enjoying life in Heaven with those who went before him.
He was always willing to help someone in need and was a kind and generous person. He also was 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.
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.