Jon Allen McMahan

Jon A. McMahan passed away at the age of 71, on Wednesday, December 27, 2017 at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines, surrounded by his family. A Celebration of Life Service with military honors will be held at a later date at the Urbandale Golf and Country Club. Jon was born on October 25, 1946 in Des Moines, Iowa to Wilfred and Lurine (Thoreson) McMahan. Jon graduated from North High in 1964 and served 2 years in the United States Army before attending the College of Automation in Des Moines earning a certificate in Computer Programing. Jon's entire career was spent at local insurance companies. He ended his career as VP of Information Technology.

Jon (a.k.a. Papa, Dad or Johnny Mac) was known for his giving nature, whether it was volunteering after his retirement or giving to multiple charities. Jon was never known to miss a Hawkeye watching party with the boys. While he might not necessarily give you the shirt off his back, he would be quick to give you $20 to buy yourself one. He had a several decades love/hate relationship with the game of golf. He accomplished 4 holes-in-one, but had just as many bent and broken clubs as a result of an errant shot. He could launch a club with the very best of them. He was his own worst critic, often talking to himself in the third person, scolding himself for an ill-aimed effort, evidence of his occasional short temper. There was little to no patience for speeding/bad drivers in particular, even though he broke many written rules by driving with both feet as well as 1 or 2 MPH under the posted speed limit.

While not the direct cause of his death, Jon fought a courageous battle against cancer and the toll treatment took on his body. No matter how tired over the past year, he continued to do the things that made his life full. The love he displayed for his three grand daughters was beyond compare. Jon was an extraordinary man and there is little doubt he will be missed by the many lives he touched.

Jon is survived by his wife Cathy McMahan of Urbandale; son, John McMahan of Bondurant; daughter Shawn (Cory) Konrad of Des Moines; granddaughters, Catherine Konrad, Aubrey McMahan and Meredith McMahan; sisters, Judy Waters and JoAnne Parker both from Des Moines, as well as many nieces and nephews throughout the country. Jon was preceded in death by his parents and nephew Danny Parker. Memorials for Jon may be directed to the Urbandale Food Pantry or Wounded Warrior Project.
Online condolences can be made to www.petersonfuneralservice.com