John D. McNab, 78, LCDR USN, Ret. and past Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Washington, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 9, 2009 at the Skagit Valley Hospital in Mount Vernon, Washington with his family by his side.
He was born on May 29, 1931 in Linden, Michigan to W. Gereene and Duretha Moore McNab.
John grew up in Linden, Michigan and at the age of 17 enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1948. He served for a total of 32 years in the Navy, serving during the Korean War and in Viet Nam, retiring as a LCDR.
For the past 25 years, John has resided on his hobby farm north of Sedro-Woolley, WA coming here from San Diego, CA.
John was married to Barbara Fields on September 11, 1954 in Detroit, MI and they celebrated 55 years together this year.
John was an active Mason, joining a Lodge in Detroit in 1956. He was a life member of Burlington United Lodge #93 F&AM, Sedro-Woolley, Abbottsford Lodge #70 F&AM in B.C. along with several other lodges. John was a 33 Degree member of Scottish Rite Valley of Bellingham and a member of the Nile Shrine. He held several positions within the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Washington and rose to the position of Grand Master in 2003-2004.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara McNab of the family home in Sedro-Woolley. His children, John S. McNab and his wife Christine of Everett, Terry A. Baranyai and her husband Joe of Havre, MT, Gregg S. McNab and his wife Benita of Vista, CA, Sandy M. Hunrichs and her husband Paul of Santee, CA and Craig A. Roll and his wife Kate of Chesapeake, VA. Two grandchildren, Daniel and Krystelle Baranyai of Havre, MT. His sister, Sharon Lawson and her husband Don of The Villages, FL and his brother-in-law, John Fields of Taylor, MI. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Jean Cardona and a sister-in-law, Joan Fields.
Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, October 13, 2009 at 2:00 PM at Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley with Pastor John D. Keliher of Tacoma officiating and Past Grand Masters providing Masonic Honors. Interment and Military Honors will follow on Wednesday, October 14, 2009 at 1:30 PM at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, WA. Memorials are suggested to Shriner’s Hospital or a charity of your choice.