Robert William McMahan

Robert William McMahan, 83, of Chester, W.Va., gained his heavenly reward on April 11, 2025, at Heritage Valley Medical Center in Beaver, Pa. He passed away peacefully with his family by his side.

Robert “Bob” was born on Aug. 10, 1941, in East Liverpool, Ohio, to the late William and Ruth McMahan. He was preceded in death by his adoring wife, Joyce McMahan, whom he married on July 13, 1974. Bob and Joyce shared their lives and raised their family during their 37 years together.

He is survived by his three loving children, Tanya McMahan of Nashville, Tenn., Todd McMahan, of Columbus, Ohio, Troy and his wife Cara McMahan of Chester, W.Va. In addition, he is survived by his two beloved grandchildren, Leah and Cash McMahan, of Chester, W.Va. He also leaves his dear brother, Glenn (Mae) McMahan of Chester, W.Va.

Other survivors include his nephews, nieces, great-nieces, great-nephew, and great-great-nephew: Fred (Marla) McMahan of Nashville, Tenn.; Paula (Jared) Ireland of Gibsonia, Pa.; Hannah (Chandler) and Truett Altieri of Clarksville, Tenn.; Kim (Tony) Sarah and Ashley Huff of Lawrenceburg, Ky.; and Mark (Whitney) and Alexander Heineman of Huntersville, N.C.; his sister-in-law, Pamela (Bo) Kirkpatrick of Sebring, Fla.; his Wright family cousins as well as many other friends and family.

His relationship with God was his main priority and guiding force throughout his life. Bob fearlessly lived out his faith. He was a member of the Virginia Avenue Church of Christ in Chester, where he served as an elder for many years. His kind, gentle spirit and Christian example were an encouragement to many.

Bob grew up in Chester and graduated from Chester High School in 1959. In 1964, he received a Bachelor of Arts from David Lipscomb College in Nashville, Tenn. He spent time in Morgantown, W.Va., and went on to complete a Master of Arts degree from West Virginia University in 1976.

In addition to his faith, education was his passion. Bob was a teacher, coach, and athletic director for 43 years, spending most of his career with Hancock County Schools. He greatly impacted the lives of thousands of students and athletes at Westgate Jr. High, Wells Jr. High, and Oak Glen Middle School.

A devoted family man, Bob’s greatest joys were spending time with his family, whether that be meals together, traveling or watching and attending sporting events. He cheered on his favorites: WVU Mountaineers, Cleveland Indians/Guardians, Pittsburgh sports teams, Lipscomb University Bisons, and any team that included his grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held at noon on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at the Virginia Avenue Church of Christ. Friends may call at the Arner Funeral Chapel in Chester from 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, April 16 and one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at the Peachtree Inn at the Orchards of Foxcrest and the doctors and nurses in the Heritage Valley Open Heart Unit.

4/15/25