Robert McCown Obituary

Robert "Rusty" Wilson McCown

May 16, 1946 - January 16, 2026

Robert "Rusty" Wilson McCown, 79, a man who was loved and cared for by so many, passed away at his home from cancer on Friday, January 16, 2026.

Rusty was intelligent, honest, and loyal. He made friends in all walks of his life and made time to foster and mature those friendships. Perhaps many would say it was his sense of humor that was most appreciated. Recently, when asked by his oncologist the name of his cane, he quickly replied "Able." That was typical Rusty. Rusty was born in the Old Southwest section of Roanoke City, attended local schools and graduated from Jefferson High School. His McCown and Mason extended families all lived in town and family connections were strong and continue to this day.

After high school Rusty attended East Carolina University (ECU), and due to a call to military service, left to fulfill that obligation. He served as a clerk in the United States Army in Frankfurt, Germany. Rusty then went on to earn his bachelor's degree from ECU in 1974, as witnessed on his vehicle license plates over the years. A proud member of the ECU Pirate Club for more than 50 years, he cheered at football games and believed, like many at ECU, that active fan participation could make a losing team win. He was often seen wearing purple and gold, and inspiring friends and family to chant "Go Pirates," whether or not a game was happening.

After college, he followed other family members into a career with Norfolk Southern Railroad that lasted more than 30 years. Being such a railroad guy, Rusty also encouraged his grandsons' love of all things trains at an early age, and they were frequent visitors to the local transportation museum. Granddad Rusty also loved to take Owen and Oliver to nearby parks to run, climb and swing.

Staying healthy, eating right, going to the doctor, and exercising were among Rusty's highest priorities. He endeavored to pass these habits on to his two young daughters, became a soccer coach for their young teams, and then coached again after they moved up to other teams. This led to meeting other involved parents and many lasting friendships.

His own exercise plans involved running, basketball, and tennis when younger, and later in life, he was a daily participant at the Kirk Family Y and an avid pickleball player. He really loved playing that game, partly for the sport of it and partly due to its social nature. Much conversation ensued while waiting for your spot on the court, and he became fond of his fellow players. He also enjoyed hiking the local trails with Mo and Guinness (dog, not beer) and the duo would strive to make each hike more entertaining than the last.

Reading and travel were two of his interests, which he pursued especially after his children were grown. Often reminding others that he had been a "history major" in college, he demonstrated that interest by devouring 20th century books on military history and more contemporary political and national issues. He was a true "history buff." He and Kathleen visited many historical sites over more than 20 years of travel, having planned and taken many trips domestic and abroad.

Rusty always enjoyed music and singing and played an instrument as a youth. He sang in Glee Club and music department choruses at ECU, and later with the Roanoke Valley Choral Society. He was a member of Raleigh Court Presbyterian Church for over 30 years and a dedicated member of the Sanctuary Choir for most of those years. Whether at church or elsewhere, Rusty would always "show up," and believed that we shared that obligation to each other.

Rusty was preceded in death by his parents, Francis Mason McCown and Albert Sydney McCown, and his older brother, Gary Mason McCown.

He is survived by his wife, Kathleen Carroll; his daughters, Emily "Grace" McCown (Brian Hughes), and Katherine "Katie" Mason McCown (Grayson Sponseller), and their mother, Emily Hale McCown; grandsons, Owen and Oliver Hughes; brothers, Albert Lee McCown (Laura Cameron), and David Allen McCown (Happy); "brother" Larry Mason (Ingalill); and a multitude of McCown and Mason cousins, nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind many long-time close and dear friends.

Heartfelt appreciation to Rusty's cousin, Dr. David Mason, for his unselfish availability to him during his illnesses. The family also sends appreciation to Good Samaritan Hospice for the kind, capable, and consistent care provided to Rusty and his family during the past three months.

A Witness to the Resurrection will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, January 30, 2026, at Raleigh Court Presbyterian Church, 1837 Grandin Road, Roanoke, officiated by the Reverend Andrew C. Whaley. Inurnment in the church columbarium will follow the service and a reception will take place in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the music ministry or general fund at Raleigh Court Presbyterian Church or to the Kirk Family YMCA. Online condolences may be expressed to his family by visiting at www.Oakeys.com.

Oakey's Funeral Service - South Chapel

Roanoke, VA (540) 989-3131