Sean Michael McKeown

1974 - 2023

SEAN MICHAEL McKEOWN

May 9, 1974 April 29, 2023

Bakersfield If Sean McKeown ever felt the need to live life by a motto even though it was not his style that could have easily been, Work hard, play hard, and pray hardest.

Foremost, Sean was a man of Christ. Although notorious for being a tough football coach, Sean's dedication was unmatched when it came to his family. Enduring, selfless, and sentimental, Sean was most proud of his role as a devoted and loving father, husband, son, brother, and uncle. Sean's caring and cheerful spirit brought joy to the lives of so many people throughout his nearly five decades on earth. On April 29, Sean was privileged to assume the joy of everlasting life when he joined our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. After a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer, Sean, 48, passed away at home with his wife, son, and parents by his side.

A lover of Star Wars, and the cinematic masterpiece Spaceballs, Sean was known as a jock-nerd. During his playing time, at Newbury Park High School and Moorpark College, Sean was regarded as a well-respected three-sport athlete. Upon transferring to Cal State Bakersfield, Sean's athletic career was elevated when he encountered the Olympic trials as a leading thrower in the 200-foot discus. However, Sean found his true passion in his professional career as an educator and football coach.

Best known as the first head football coach at Independence High School, Sean also spent a considerable amount of his professional and coaching career at Bakersfield High School. Sean was teaching at Stockdale High, where he planned to return, upon learning of his cancer diagnosis on March 8.

While he did not have a favorite college or professional football team, one of Sean's greatest joys was seeing his former players excel in playing and coaching. Sean loved watching defensive back DJ Reed play for the New York Jets, and former quarterback Tyler Schilhabel coach Independence to their first Central Section title in 2021. Sean took great pride in building and mentoring a football legacy for his second hometown of Bakersfield, CA.

During his downtime at home, it was easy to find Sean sitting in his favorite chair, watching his favorite shows, or taking one of his infamous naps. Teasingly, Sean's wife Kati described him as a professional disco napper, or 'power napper' (who) could take short naps almost anywhere. ESPN and Food Network were his go-to channels, and he loved the Dodgers as any good SoCal boy should quipped his wife. As the early riser in their home, Sean would do the cooking, grocery shopping, and laundry long before anyone else in the house was awake. But Sean also knew how to balance work and fun. As a fan of the central coast, it only made sense that Sean loved visiting Cambria, eating at the Sea Chest, and grilling Santa Maria-style tri-tip. Sean had a special affinity for his Traeger Grill, which prompted him to routinely, and hilariously, chat up the Traeger salesperson at Costco on how to properly sell Traeger Grills to potential customers. Sean also loved to golf, laugh, and celebrate big and small moments with his extended family and friends. His sister Kara holds dear to Sean's fun-loving and infectious personality, enjoying memories of how he couldn't help but dance when he heard a good song.

Many of the friends Sean met in Bakersfield, since moving to town in 1996, took to social media to reflect on their love of Sean. From fellow teachers and coaches at the three high schools where he taught and coached, along with countless former students and student-athletes, the sentiment was the same, Sean had a huge heart and cared for others through his faith in Christ.

Sean's childhood friend, Jeff Hook, did not grow up with siblings but considered Sean a brother. He was as close as one could be to me, Hook said. I have met some good friends later in life, but no one is quite like Sean. I told him I would see him again after seeing him in the hospital, and I meant that with all of my heart. Heaven is indeed real for those in Christ Jesus.

Jeff Epstein, another longtime childhood friend, echoed the same sentiments. Sean was a true original whose passion for sports, quick wit, loyal friendship, and infectious laughter touched the lives of so many.

Sean leaves behind his wife Kati and children Paige and Jake, parents Dennis and Yvonne McKeown, brother Collin and sister Kara (Loren) Naidoo. In-laws Tom and Katy Hartnett, three nephews, and one niece. He was preceded in death by a miscarried baby in 2004 and a stillborn son in 2005.

Sean's family is overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and compassion for Sean since his passing and want to thank all of you.

In lieu of flowers, Sean's wish was to donate to Covenant Community Services, Inc. at 1700 N. Chester 93308, or the Bakersfield Fellowship of Christian Athletes at 9530 Hageman Road, Suite B No. 163, 93312.

There will be a celebration of life on Sunday, May 28, at 2:00 p.m., at St. John's Lutheran Church in Bakersfield, CA.

Regardless of weather, Sean preferred to wear shorts and a T-shirt, for special occasions he would wear dressy shorts and a collared shirt. In honor of Sean's favorite outfit, the family is requesting that the men attending wear shorts as a tribute to Sean.

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