John R. McNair, Sr.

John R. McNair, Sr., 71, left this world on Saturday, Aug. 21, 2021. He was known as a quiet, gentle man full of grace, grit, integrity, and honor.

Funeral services for John will take place on Friday, Aug. 27 at 1:30 p.m. at New Hope Christian Church in Marshalltown. He will be laid to rest at the Conrad Cemetery following the service. Friends and family are also invited to a visitation on Thursday, Aug. 26 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home. John’s family asks all attendees to wear bright colors and to drive your classic cars. For those unable to attend, the service will be available to view on the Mitchell Family Funeral Home Facebook page. For questions or condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234.

John was born on November 26, 1949 in southern Iowa to Paul and Madeline (Graves) McNair. They along with his two sisters Marty and Sharon eventually made their home in Liscomb. While in high school, John met the love of his life, Julie Ann Engle. He graduated from Beaman-Conrad High School in 1969. After high school he attended Universal Trade School in Omaha, Nebraska.

On Friday, Sept. 4, 1970 John and Julie were married at Conrad United Methodist. John and Julie soon purchased a home in Conrad, where they lived for 33 years and welcomed and raised their four children: Jami Willett, John (Kate) R. McNair Jr, Jaci (Brad) Green, and Jodi (Dustin) Lenz. Grandchildren born over the years include Austin, Jenna, and Coby Willett; John III, Emily, Ava and Nathan McNair; Madeline, Maxwell, Josiah and Hattie Green; Annabelle, Tori, and Jackson Lenz. Also left to cherish his memories are his sisters Marty Whitmore and Sharon Stewart along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

An avid family man, John was always there to support, comfort, and guide his family. They were a priority whether at an athletic event, concert, or a play. Often on the sidelines, you would know he was there by his ability to whistle over the whole crowd (and blow your eardrum out if you were too close). Although this whistle was often done to celebrate, if you ever heard it when you weren’t home, you knew it was time to go immediately!

John worked at Jensen Ford in the body shop prior to opening his own, McNair Body Shop and Wrecker Service, which remained in business for 35 years prior to his “retirement.” John didn’t stay retired for very long and soon began working at Mitchell Funeral Home.

John was the master of tinkering and fixing everything. It was often said that “If Grandpa couldn’t fix it, we’re all screwed.” We pray that he left us each enough information that together we can now fix things.

Giving back to the community was a big priority to John. John served on the Liscomb & Conrad Fire Departments for 51 years, was a reserve officer for the Grundy County Sheriff’s office, and was one of the founding members of the Beaman Conrad Emergency Response Team formed in 1986. John continued to serve the community of Beaman-Conrad until his final first responder call to Heaven.

John was oftentimes recognized as the “Pancake Guy” due to his participation in countless fundraising events where he volunteered, and could be found flipping and tossing pancakes.

In his spare time he could be found building, rebuilding, or changing things on one of his many classic cars, camping all around the countryside, and for 11 days each year he could be found at the Iowa State Fair Volunteering or showing off his 1913 Model T on the hill by Pioneer Hall.

John also loved spending time at his family home near Lake Rathbun. This was always a special time throughout each summer, where most weekends were spent with his family and close friends. While there, he could always be counted on to advise on the best fishing spots (but never shared his secret berry picking locations).

John was a long-time member of Liscomb Church of Christ and enjoyed attending Brushy Community Church during the summertime. John lived a life of Faith which was evident to anyone he met. He strongly believed in walking with Christ and showing others God’s love.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Madeline McNair.

To honor John’s legacy: Find a way to give back to your community; polish that classic car and take it for a drive; wear your best classic car shirt with khaki shorts and sandals…..and enjoy a handful of M&M’s (just make sure they aren’t the plain ones)…..however, he would highly recommend avoiding cold meat ham sandwiches.

Memorial contributions can be made directly to the family and will be disbursed at a later time.