Glenn William Mc's Obituary
Glenn McKassonGlenn McKasson was the epitome of the people Tom Brokaw wrote about in his recent book The Greatest Generation. A World War II veteran who escaped the infamous Bataan Death March only to be captured and sent to 3.5 years of Japanese prisoner of war camp after the fall of Corregidor. Glenn had a will and zest for life that inspired all who knew him. (Glenn's autobiography of his war experiences can be found athttp://harrisonheritage.com/adbc/mck.htm.)Upon his return to the U.S., Glenn married Bette J. Pritchard on October 6, 1946 in Pinehurst, Idaho. Glenn and Bette moved to Tacoma (Lakewood) in late 1946 and Glenn built the house that grew to be the one and only home for his family. After establishing themselves in the construction industry in Tacoma, Glenn and his brothers Roy and Chet formed McKasson Brother's Construction. McKasson Brothers went on to build many important buildings in Tacoma and Seattle, including the Point Defiance Aquarium, Lakewood Public Library, and many others. As a husband, father and friend, Glenn quietly helped to shape the lives of those around him, teaching honesty, compassion and quality as essential life skills. He will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him. Born Glenn William McKasson Dec. 11, 1922 in Kettle Falls, WA, Glenn's family moved to Kellogg, ID when he was 2 years of age. He graduated from Kellogg High School in the spring of 1940, and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on October 31, 1940 in Spokane, WA. Glenn is survived by his son Tom (Anne), daughter Glenna, son Jerry (Gina), grandchildren Cameron, Kelsey, Jessica, Anna, Jeralee, numerous nieces and nephews. Glenn and Bette were proud to be lifetime members of both the Tacoma and Shelton Chapters of the American Ex-Prisoners of War, as well as the American Defenders of Bataan and Coreggidor and spent a great deal of their retirement with these groups. Glenn's life is also a testamony of God's amazing grace. His life being spared so many times throughout his service career, and spared again in his final days as he chose Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. There will be a viewing at Mt. View Funeral Home Sunday, August 3rd from 2-9 PM. Services are scheduled for Monday, August 4th at 2 PM in the Mt. View Valley Chapel.
What’s your fondest memory of Glenn?
What’s a lesson you learned from Glenn?
Share a story where Glenn's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Glenn you’ll never forget.
How did Glenn make you smile?