John E. McNary, 77, Paris, a well-known Paris educator and supporter of youth, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2023, at Paris Healthcare and Rehab Center following a long battle with pancreatic cancer.

Mass of Christian Burial is 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 20, at St. Mary's Catholic Church with the Rev. Father Valery Burusu as celebrant. Burial follows in St. Mary's Cemetery. Friends may call from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023, at the Stewart and Carroll Funeral Home.

He was born in Phillipsburg, Pa., the son of the late Don G. and Kathleen McNary.

John and the former Connie Claypool were married June 27, 1970, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Marshall and she survives.

Also surviving are a son, Christopher J. (Laura) McNary of Plano, Texas; a daughter, Erin (Patrick Miranda) of Miami, Fla.; a grandson, Evan James McNary; A brother and sister-in-law, Ken Claypool and Nancy Claypool, both of Marshall; three nephews, Tyler (Tara) Claypool, Ethan (Aubrey) Claypool, all of Marshall and Ryan (Abby) Claypool of Portland, Ore.

Mr. McNary was preceded in death by his sister, Patricia.

He attended Marshall High School and was a multi-sport athlete, graduating with the MHS class of 1964.

Following graduation, he attended Eastern Illinois University as a student athlete, playing baseball. He shared his love of the game with generations of Paris High School students as well as in the local Pony League where he served as umpire and director.

Mr. McNary earned a bachelor's degree in education with a major in history in 1968. In 1971, he earned a master's degree in guidance and counseling and a specialist's degree in educational administration in 1989, all at EIU.

Following graduation from EIU in 1968, Mr. McNary was hired as a government, economics and sociology to Paris High School students as well as serving as an assistant football, basketball and baseball coach, positions he held until 1977 when he was hired as the assistant principal and athletic director at PHS. In 1983, he accepted the position as assistant principal at Clinton, Ill., High School. In 1985, he was named assistant regional superintendent of schools for Region #11. He was elected Regional Superintendent of Schools in 1994, a position he held until 2009.

During his educational career, Mr. McNary served on many educational advisory committees. He was the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Eastern Illinois University College of Education and Professional Studies.

Mr. McNary was involved in the Paris community, serving on many committees and board and was a former board member of the Edgar County Public Health Department. He was a member of the Eastern Illinois University Alumni Association and St. Mary's Church in Paris.

A member of Eagle Ridge Golf Course, there was nothing he enjoyed more than playing with his friends and former colleagues. John and Connie enjoyed traveling to visit their children and grandson and were avid fans of the University of Illinois football and basketball teams. They were season ticket holders for many years.

Mr. McNary was a fan of the Chicago Cubs and Green Bay Packers.

He was an influence on a generation of PHS students both in the classroom or on the baseball and football fields or basketball courts.

Memorial donations may be made to the Edgar County Community Foundation in John McNary's honor or the McNary Family Scholarship Fund at Marshall High School for Marshall students.

For more information and online condolences please go to www.stewartandcarrollfuneralhome.com