Edward P. McKeague

Edward P. McKeague, 80, of Lancaster, PA, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 7, 2024, after a lengthy illness. A man with a quick wit, an easy smile, and a knack for making others laugh, Ed left a lasting impression on everyone he met. Born on April 28, 1944, in Lock Haven, PA, Ed was the son of the late Edward Paul McKeague and Beatrice Mapstone. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art Education from Penn State University and, along the way, captured the heart of Ruthann Yenchick. They married on August 30, 1969, embarking on 55 years of love and laughter together. Ed’s career as an art teacher spanned 33 years at Lincoln Junior High School in Lancaster, where he inspired creativity and occasionally slipped in a joke or two to keep his students on their toes. His part-time role at Fred F. Groff Funeral Home as a funeral assistant and painter not only kept him busy but also enriched his life with meaningful friendships and a second community he cherished. Ed retired in 1996 and took some time off to tinker around the house, grow a ponytail (just long enough to donate to Locks of Love) and relax before getting bored and picking up a part-time job for a few years delivering for Sir Speedy until he was no longer able. Ed is survived by his beloved wife, Ruth Ann (Yenchick) McKeague; his children, Andrew McKeague (Stacy), Lori Tenneson (Melissa), and Lisa Rogers; and his siblings, Carol Fowler (the late Greg), Sandy McConnell (Glenn), and Donald Dale (Karen). He was the proud grandfather of Matthew and Kay McKeague and Kylee and Teagan Rogers. He also held a special place in his heart as the godfather to David and Sarah Bott, Rachel Groome, and the late Stephen Bott. Friends and family are invited to celebrate Ed’s life at The Groffs Family Funeral Home, 528 W. Orange Street, Lancaster on Saturday, December 14, 2024. Visitation will begin at 9:30 AM, followed by a Memorial Service at 11:00 AM. A reception luncheon will follow the service. A private en-nichement will take place at Conestoga Memorial Park Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Locks of Love, 234 Southern Blvd., West Palm Beach, FL 33405-2701, or online at www.locksoflove.org/financial-donation or Alzheimer's Association https://act.alz.org/site/Donation Ed’s humor, warmth, and ability to turn even the simplest moments into something special will be dearly missed.