Barrett McKown Obituary

Barrett Lee McKown, 89, passed away peacefully on November 25, 2024. He was born on June 30, 1935, in Wheeling, WV. Professor McKown graduated from the University of Maryland, where he received his Bachelor of Science. He then received his Master of Biological Science degree from the American University. Professor McKown married Anne Willson Grim on September 24, 1965 and lived for over 50 years in the community of Loch Haven on the South River in Edgewater, MD, while also enjoying many travels across the country and globe.

Professor McKown enjoyed an illustrious teaching career in secondary education. He taught biology at Suitland High School (1957-1961) and at DuVal High School (1961-1970). He went on to teach biology, zoology, anatomy and physiology at the Anne Arundel Community College (1970-1994), after which he retired with 37 years teaching experience. He served as Chairman of the College Science Division (1974-1978), as Assistant Professor of Biology (1970-1973), as Associate Professor of Biology (1973-1979) and as Professor of Biology (1979-1994). He was named Professor of Biology Emeritus in 1994.

Professor McKown served on the Board of Trustees of the Annapolis and Anne Arundel County Public Library for 20 years, serving as President for 4 years.

He was an active member of the U.S. Naval Academy Parents and Sponsors program, including a tour as President. Over two decades of sponsorship, he and his wife attended a myriad of sporting and social events, graduations and weddings, and welcomed over 160 Midshipmen into their home. As an active member of St. Anne's Church he served on the altar, as a congregation greeter, and on numerous committees, most notably as the Chairman of the Cemetery Committee for many years.

Barry served as a member of the Maryland Military Monuments Commission, having been appointed by the Governor of Maryland in 1994, and also as an Archivist for the National Congress of Patriotic Organizations. Additionally, he was a member of many historical, patriotic and genealogical societies:

-National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (recipient of the Minute Man Award; former Vice President General of the Mid-Atlantic District; former President of the Maryland Society)

-National Gavel Society (President; former Treasurer)

-General Society of Colonial Wars (member of the Maryland Society)

-Order of Founders and Patriots of America (former Governor of the Maryland Society)

-Society of the War of 1812 in the State of Maryland (Treasurer)

-National Society Sons of Colonial New England (Honorary Governor General)

-Continental Society Sons of Indian Wars (former Secretary General)

-National Society Sons and Daughters of the Pilgrims (former Captain General: former Governor of the Maryland Branch)

-National Huguenot Society (former President of the Maryland Society)

-National Society Sons of American Colonists (former Chaplain General)

-Society of Mareen Duvall Descendants (Registrar)

-Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War

-National Order of the Blue and Grey

-Saint Andrews Society of Baltimore

-Saint George's Society of Baltimore

-The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem (Officer, bestowed by Elizabeth II, Queen of England)

His contributions to these organizations earned him many honors and awards. However, it was the friendships he formed and connections he fostered that he cherished most deeply.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold E. and Della E. McCready McKown of Prince George's County; brother, Martin H. McKown Sr. and his wife Marcyanna Rose Great McKown of Sagamore Beach, MA.

In his final days he was able to spend time with his family, whom he so dearly loved and shared many wonderful life experiences with over the years. He is survived by his loving wife, Anne, of Edgewater, MD; his sister-in-law Mary Elizabeth Grim; and numerous nephews, nieces, and their families. His family is not planning for a service at this time, but would very much appreciate a donation to the Anne Arundel County Library in honor of his memory and lifetime community service.