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Capt. Ronald E. McKeown

1939 - 2015

BORN

1939

DIED

2015

FUNERAL HOME

Glen Abbey Mortuary

3838 Bonita Road

Bonita, California

Ronald McKeown Obituary

Name: Memorial service for Capt. Ronald E. McKeown
Start: 2015-12-09T20:30:00.000Z
Location: Miramar National Cemetery

Capt. Ronald E. McKeown, USN SAN DIEGO Captain Ronald E. "Mugs" McKeown, USN (Ret.) passed away on Saturday, November, 21, 2015 in a peaceful sleep at Kindred Hospital in San Diego following complications associated with Parkinson's Disease. A highly decorated Navy fighter pilot, charismatic leader, a loving husband, father and grandfather, he will be missed by all who loved him. A memorial service will held at Miramar National Cemetery at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December, 9, 2015. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the San Diego Parkinson's Association/Tremble Clef or the Tailhook Education Foundation. June 17, 1939 - November 21, 2015

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Published by San Diego Union-Tribune on Dec. 6, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Ronald McKeown

Sponsored by Glen Abbey Mortuary.

17 Entries

Gurney Louis Alexander

October 30, 2022

Ronny McKeown and I were high school classmates at Ysleta High School, class of 1957 in El Paso, Texas. Even as a teenager he was notably gifted in so many ways, including making his classmates and teachers realize their personal value as young vigorous Americans. We were better people, having known and associated with Ronnie. The passing of many years have not dimmed our affection for and admiration of this great American.

Michael Carey

July 22, 2021

Captain McKeown was an outstanding leader and I was honored, privileged, and blessed to have served under him at VF-1. He was always quick with a smile and generous with his time. I am glad his telling of one of his stories is preserved on film in "Migs over Midway" (History Ch). RIP, Skipper, you are missed.

February 9, 2021

I had the honor of working with Mugs at SpaceDev, a chaotic little aerospace start-up in San Diego. Mugs was a stand out in that organization with his intelligence, kindness and high integrity. As I get older, I realize how lucky you are when truly special individuals are in your life. He had the nicest things to say about his family and shared wonderful stories about his early career with my friends. I feel lucky to have had him as a co-worker and a friend. I am sure his family misses him terribly.

Richard VanDyke

March 4, 2017

I had the honor and privilege to serve under Captain McKeown while serving with Fighter Squadron 1, at Naval Air Station Miramar

Scott Elder

June 9, 2016

Thanks for the chat we had at the palm... I'll remember it forever.... An admirer

Dana Travis

February 1, 2016

One of greatest men ive ever known . Im proud to have him as my CO

Ken Gomer

January 1, 2016

He was our CO in VF-1. I have very fond memories of him. He was the one who got me hooked on history. I loved to listen to him talk about local history at night on the flight deck as we transited the Straits of Malacca. One of the best CO's that I ever had.

AQCS Ken Gomer

Buzz Galbraith

December 14, 2015

Mugs was one of the most determined and capable individuals I have known. We didn't have much contact after graduation except for reunions but his exploits were well known even though I was in a different branch of the Navy - submarines. We will all miss him and I express my deepest condolences to Lauree who was also a hero in my book for all that she managed during Mugs' long illness. He was truly the consummate professional and a great American. Buzz Galbraith, classmate, company mate, and team mate.

Chairman Jack Harkins United Veterans Council

December 8, 2015

The United Veterans Council of San Diego County deeply regrets the loss of the esteemed Veteran Captain Ron "Mugs" McKeown from our circle of service and allegiance to Veterans. We will long be inspired by his example of courage, integrity, audacity, determination, achievement, and friendship, as we honor his legacy always.

December 8, 2015

Those were magnificent days, Mugsy. Few others can fully understand how phenomenal it all was. Yours was a life lived to the max. Rest in peace old pal.
Ollie & Charlotte

Mike & Martha Bell

December 6, 2015

Lauree, and family, we certainly feel your loss. Ron's passing leaves a giant void that will never be filled completely. We will continue to cherish the memories of our time in VF-161 with Ron and you.

Marty FitzGerald

December 2, 2015

There is nothing more I can say about Mugs McKeown that has not been said before, except that he has done it all in the name of freedom for the U.S.A. Rest in peace Captain, you have earned the rest. Soft winds and Following Seas Captain.
Marty FitzGerald MVA

December 2, 2015

David Payson

November 30, 2015

The members of the USS Midway Veterans Association mourn the loss of Capt. Ronald E. McKeown "Mugs" and wish to express our sincere condolences to his family and friends. He was truly a great naval aviator, shipmate, and friend, and we are fortunate to have him attend our 2015 reunion in San Diego. Mugs, you flew higher than the rest and were a true inspiration to us all.

Sincerely, the USS Midway Veterans Association

Will Babcock

November 28, 2015

Rest in peace skipper. You were an inspiration to many who served with you during your Navy career, I being one of them. My condolences to your family.

Dana Potts

November 26, 2015

I sincerly pray you rest well Mugs. I only met you once but it left a lasting impression on me. You gave us a MiG killer debrief when I attended Topgun in the fall of 1983. That history lesson, delivered better than any stand up comic, is one of my most cherished memorys. God bless you and your family. It was a priviledge to have served with you, albeit briefly.

Rest well shipmate

Dana "Smudge" Potts, CAPT USN ret

Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results