Kevin Jude McGrath

1957 - 2015

McGrath, Kevin Jude 57, of Millstadt, Illinois, died Wednesday, April 8th, 2015 in the comfort of his home. Kevin was surrounded by the love and support of his family at the time of his death. Kevin was born on July 16th, 1957 in Springfield, Illinois to Donald and Mary Margret McGrath. As fourth in line of nine children, seven boys and two girls, Kevin had an endless supply of sibling shenanigan stories to tell. From bidding for the top bunk, pranks, family trips, and the nuns at St. Agnes grade school, Kevin and his siblings made memories that lasted a lifetime. Kevin resided in Springfield, IL until his family moved to Belleville in the 1970's. Given his love of mathematics and respect for higher education, after graduating from Springfield High School in 1975, Kevin put himself through college. Short order cook, janitor, gandy dancer for the railroad in Springfield, and a Granite City Steel employee were just a few of the positions Kevin held while earning a BS from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 1982 and an MBA/MHA from St. Louis University. On May 12th, 1990 at Our Lady of Lourdes in Clayton, Missouri, Kevin wed his bride, Antoinette McGrath. Shortly after the nuptials, the couple moved to Millstadt, Illinois. September 20th, 1994 Kevin and Toni welcomed their daughter Megan into the world. Kevin loved his family and was fiercely devoted to them. There was nothing Kevin did in which he did not give his all. Whether debating politics or baseball, Kevin maintained the same amount of gusto and passion in everything he did. Kevin loved being outside and playing catch with his daughter and developing her softball skills. Baseball was Kevin's favorite sport and, like his father before him, Kevin spent countless evenings watching the Chicago Cubs, simultaneously cheering and cursing his beloved team. Kevin held various positions within the Healthcare Administration field for a decade after graduating from St. Louis University. This path eventually led Kevin to a position that he truly loved in March of 2001; BAUG 4 System Design Integration Specialist for Boeing. Kevin's position gave him the ability to work from home, spend more time with his family, and utilize his gift and love of math. As most highly intelligent individuals, Kevin was also highly sarcastic. There was a particular chuckle that could be heard preceding Kevin's quips and comments. Not a disingenuous man, Kevin's laughter was hard earned and infectious. Unknown to most, Kevin's childhood ambition was to become a cartoonist. Drawing was a way for Kevin to unwind from school and work. He could engage his artistic side and show case his humor. Kevin was stubborn and selfassured, no doubt sometimes challenging characteristics, but these signature traits are also what bred trust and loyalty in Kevin's relationships. One would be hardpressed to find a more steadfast husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend. From the way he loved his wife Toni and adored his daughter Megan, to the way he spoiled his puppy, Dexter, Kevin used his actions to portray his devotion. Kevin is survived by his spouse, Antoinette McGrath (nee Chapman) of Millstadt, IL; Daughter, Megan McGrath of Millstadt, IL; Mother in Law, Joan Chapman of Maryland Heights, MO; Siblings Daniel McGrath of Richmond, VA, Mark McGrath of Springfield, IL, Catherine (Bruce) Vierheller of Waterloo, IL, Michael (Amy) McGrath of Downingtown, PA, Mary Margaret (Rhonda) McGrath of Springfield, IL, Matthew McGrath of Haddonfield, NJ, Timothy (Jennifer) McGrath of Jacksonville, Florida, and Phillip (Sue) McGrath of Mt. Laurel, NJ, Judith Collier of Maryland Heights, MO, Joan (Ben) Lee of Ft. Mill, SC, Richard Chapman of St. Louis, MO; Seven nephews, nine nieces, two great nephews, and one great niece, all of which loved their Uncle Kevin dearly. Kevin is preceded in death by his daughter, Hannah Kathleen McGrath; parents Donald and Mary Margaret McGrath; aunts, Joanne Leahy and Margaret McGrath. The family would like to give a special thanks to Susie Berger RN, Tim Bunt RN, and Cathy Welborn RN of BJC Home Care/Hospice. Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in Heaven where the love of those that have gone before us pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy. 3/8Author Unknown Services: Memorial service at the SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, 14960 Manchester Road at Holloway, Ballwin, Saturday, 2:30 p.m. with Pastor Mark Cline Officiat ing. Memorial visitation Saturday 11 a.m. until time of service Friends may sign the family's on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.