Donald E. McCright, age 88, Branson, Missouri

Donald E. McCright, age 88, went to be with the Lord surrounded by his family on April 9, 2023, in Branson, MO.

Don was born at home in Greenville (Leeches Corner) Pennsylvania on March 16, 1935, to John Atlee McCright and Mary Jane (Stoyer) McCright. He graduated from Greenville Penn High School, Thiel College with a bachelor’s degree in education, and Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville with a master’s degree in counseling. He served in the U.S. Army 101^st Airborne Division. He had a stellar scholastic football career, earning all-state honors in high school and all-district honors in college. He taught history and coached football at three high schools in Ohio. He was hired as a backfield football coach at Washington University in St. Louis, MO. In 1972, he was named Head Football Coach at Wash U and in 1976, he was named Athletic Director. He later worked for Rawlings Sporting Goods Company in St. Louis as the Professional and College Sales Representative for the Midwest. In 1979, he moved to Branson, MO with his family. He then became a Career Agent with American Republic Insurance Company. Don was inducted into the Thiel College Athletic Hall of Fame, Mercer County Hall of Fame, honored as a Lifetime Member of the American Football Coaches Association and received recognition for his 10 years of service to the Branson Pee Wee Pirate Football Program.

Don was preceded in death by his father, mother, and brother-in-law Charlie Hanson. He is survived by his brother Jack (Ginny) McCright and sister Norene Hanson. He has 4 children: Maggie McCright, Molly (Kenny) Madura, Mike (Wendi) McCright, and Mari (Matt) Grantham; and 8 grandchildren: Logan (Christian) Powell, Jacob McCright, Evan Rickard, Keegan Madura, Noah McCright, Jonah McCright, Benjamin McCright, and Jude Grantham.

In Dad’s retirement years, he enjoyed life and “seized the moment.” He traveled to participate in his class reunions and various football recognitions at Penn High, Thiel, and Wash U. He cheered on his grandchildren at their school and sports activities. Family meals were his favorite – we could often be seen at McDonald’s, Bob Evans, Pizza Hut, Applebee’s, Olive Garden, or the Keeter Center. Along with football, his family, and his own fitness, faith was a priority for Dad with John 3:16 as his favorite scripture. 

Don will be laid to rest at Shenango Valley Cemetery in Greenville, Pennsylvania.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association or stop by your local McDonald’s and have a quarter pounder with cheese and a chocolate shake in his honor.

Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home and Crematory

1638 East State Highway 76

Branson, Missouri 65616

Telephone – 417-334-3670

Fax – 417-336-3670