John Wayne McNees

John Wayne McNees, age 72 of Battle Creek passed away Thursday morning, August 22, 2024.

In life, John was so many things. He put in 110% to everything he did. He never faltered, never complained, no matter how hard things were for him. With every setback he had in life, he would consistently pick himself up, dust himself off, and keep moving forward.

John would've wanted all of us to keep moving forward. 

In his own words, " I was born, I lived, and I died, just like everyone else." He never wanted special treatment or a big charade. He knew that grief was a pain he never wanted to inflict upon us, regardless of how inevitable it was.

John was an extraordinary man, and he will continue to live on through his work, through our memories, and through our sense of imagination and adventure. He had his eyes set to the stars, fascinated with the endless possibilities of space. It was always important to him to "keep the magic alive", no matter how that magic took form for each and every one of us. He was an unstoppable force to be reckoned with, and only taken from us in physical form. Countless collections of artwork, writings, photos, stories, music, and everything in between are still here with us to keep his memory alive.

In his own words, “I have done many things that I have enjoyed with many people that I’ve enjoyed being with. I’ve been an artist and illustrator, a musician, a magician and escape artist, a clown, a chef, a college instructor, a writer, a volunteer, a mentor, and most important to me, a husband and dad.

Do not be sad at my passing, for a part of me will always be with you either in memento or memory. This is just the natural conclusion of life. Take care of yourself first, it’s not being selfish, it is the only way you can truly take care of someone else. Grieve in a way that is beneficial to you and don’t be afraid to laugh, even when others may look down at you for it. Even death isn’t that serious, (unless you’re the one dying, then it is of some concern). So if others can’t enjoy what life they still have in them, screw ‘em. Enjoy yours!”

John is survived by his wife, Donna J. McNees; his daughter, Kelly J. McNees; his siblings, Randy McNees, Melanie (Roy) Littell, Shari (John) Keckler, and several nieces & nephews.  

A Celebration of John's Life for close friends and family members will be held at the Art Center of Battle Creek from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 27th.  A public celebration in his honor will be held Saturday, Oct. 19th from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Local 357 Plumbers and Pipefitters 11847 Shaver Rd. Schoolcraft, MI 49087.  At John's request, Do Not Send Flowers! In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to the family or the Art Center of Battle Creek https://artcenterofbattlecreek.org/donate/#mem.  Arrangements by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care, Battle Creek. Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.