On the afternoon of Thursday, January 19th, 2017, Jack Ward McNett of Canton passed away quietly at his residence surrounded by his loving family. He was 90 years of age.
Born October 3rd, 1926 in Leolyn, Tioga Co. PA, he was the eldest son of Woods Garth McNett and Marion (Ward) McNett. Jack grew up in Leolyn and attended the English Hill School, Roaring Branch School and Canton High School.
In October of 1944, while a senior in high school, Jack was drafted into the Army. As an avid photographer, Jack took yearbook pictures for his class prior to starting basic training in Alabama. Jack was able to join his graduating class while on leave in May of 1945. After training his unit was sent to Okinawa via Hawaii. While in Okinawa the war concluded and he went on to Japan as part of the occupation forces, returning home as a Master Sergeant. The Army had trained him as a radar technician which led to a lifelong interest in radio and television electronics.
Upon returning home from the Army in 1946 Jack worked at various odd jobs before starting a 41-year career at the former Swayze Folding Box Company.
On January 19th, 1949 he married Eleanor Monroe of Granville Summit. The wedding took place at the Methodist parsonage in Ralston. Jack and Eleanor settled in Canton where they raised their three sons. While working at Swayze’s Jack found time to pursue his interest in photography, electronics, hunting and shooting. For many years Jack was well known for his expertise in radio and television repairs throughout the greater Canton area.
Born October 3rd, 1926 in Leolyn, Tioga Co. PA, he was the eldest son of Woods Garth McNett and Marion (Ward) McNett. Jack grew up in Leolyn and attended the English Hill School, Roaring Branch School and Canton High School.
In October of 1944, while a senior in high school, Jack was drafted into the Army. As an avid photographer, Jack took yearbook pictures for his class prior to starting basic training in Alabama. Jack was able to join his graduating class while on leave in May of 1945. After training his unit was sent to Okinawa via Hawaii. While in Okinawa the war concluded and he went on to Japan as part of the occupation forces, returning home as a Master Sergeant. The Army had trained him as a radar technician which led to a lifelong interest in radio and television electronics.
Upon returning home from the Army in 1946 Jack worked at various odd jobs before starting a 41-year career at the former Swayze Folding Box Company.
On January 19th, 1949 he married Eleanor Monroe of Granville Summit. The wedding took place at the Methodist parsonage in Ralston. Jack and Eleanor settled in Canton where they raised their three sons. While working at Swayze’s Jack found time to pursue his interest in photography, electronics, hunting and shooting. For many years Jack was well known for his expertise in radio and television repairs throughout the greater Canton area.
Jack was a longtime member of Canton VFW Post 714 as well as the Newelltown United Methodist Church. He was also a member of the NRA. Jack volunteered as an ambulance driver in Canton for many years. In 2006 he was an honoree at the 24th Old Sportsmen’s Banquet.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Eleanor, at home; sister Eloise McNett of Canton, brother James L. McNett of Houston, TX., sons Dr. Dale (& Mary) McNett of Warren, PA, Jerry (& Fern) McNett and Craig (& Connie) McNett, all of Canton, grandchildren, Melissa and Justin Hagar, Nathan and Missy McNett Jon and Liz McNett, Maria McNett, Michelle McNett, Douglas and Sara McNett, Taylor and Courtney McNett and Andrea McNett, great-grandchildren Mia Jolie Christiansen, Liv Christiansen, Hunter Christiansen, Haley McNett, Lacey McNett, Ava McNett and William Hagar. Jack is also survived by two first cousins, Cdr. William T. McNett (USN retired) of Canton and Barbara Park of Towanda, a nephew, Christopher McNett of Austin TX, and niece Sarah (& Thomas) Mangartz of Berlin, Germany.
Jack was preceded in death by a younger brother, Tommy McNett in 1938, a younger sister, Kathryn McNett in 1986, an older half-brother, Samuel McNett in 1993 and great-grandson Noah George McNett in 2013.
Visitation was held Monday, January 23rd, at Morse & Kleese Funeral Home, 94 N. Center Street, Canton, followed by the funeral service with Pastor Ann Overmiller officiating.
Interment was in Beech Flats Cemetery where Canton VFW Post #714 will accord military honors.
(morseandkleesefuneralhome.com)
