Fred Leroy McCown

Fred LeRoy McCown, 68, passed away on July 1, 2022, at his home in Kerrville, Texas. Fred was born December 9, 1953, in Los Angeles, California to Charles LeRoy and Florence Evelyn McCown. During his childhood and youth, he lived in Thousand Oaks, California. At that time, Thousand Oaks was a small, semi-rural community and he felt blessed to have grown up there. He graduated from Thousand Oaks High School in 1971.

In May 1973 Fred enlisted in the United States Navy where he served as a Hull Technician until May 1977. He subsequently served in the Active Reserves and was honorably discharged in March 1979. He settled in Broomfield, Colorado where he worked at Ball Aerospace on several programs, including advanced optical technology used in the Hubble Space Telescope and the James Webb Space Telescope.

Fred always relished traveling to wilderness areas. Hence, he and Jeanette would often spend time camping and out in nature. This afforded him the opportunity to combine two of his longtime interests, astronomy, and birdwatching, while relaxing and watching wildlife in general. Fred loved his country, and all his trips were within the United States. “There is too much to see and do here,” he would say, “before going to foreign countries.”

Fred loves music and plays various instruments, including guitar, ukulele, piano, and whatever else he tried his hand at. More than anything, he enjoyed being with family and friends and they enjoyed being with him.

Fred met his wife, Jeanette, in 1989. They were married on July 14, 1990, and Fred became the beloved stepfather to Jeanette’s two children from a previous marriage, Alecia Ashcraft of Thornton, Colorado and Dallas Ashcraft of Westminster, Colorado.

Fred loved Texas and upon his retirement he and Jeanette move to Kerrville, Texas. He did, however, retain his fondness for the Colorado Avalanche hockey Team and was pleased to see them win the 2022 Stanley Cup.

Fred is survived by his wife, Jeanette; stepchildren, Alecia and Dallas Ashcraft; step-grandson, Chancellor Erker, son of Alecia; brother, Stephen McCown; sisters, Melanie and Cheryl McCown; nieces Amy Armatta and Liza McCown; nephews Lew Notah, Jeffery Vargas, and Carl and Cody Mitchell. He is also survived by many grandnieces and grandnephews.

The family wishes to thank Fr. John Onstott of St. Michael & All Angels Anglican Church of Kerrville for his ministry and his reminder of the Christian hope, which Fred shared, of a blessed eternity with out Savior Jesus Christ

Fred’s memorial service will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that you consider contributing to the Peterson Hospice Services. Peterson Hospice was beyond helpful and Fred’s family sincerely appreciates their help. 

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