Kenneth “Ken” Glenn McMullen, 89, of Bellefonte, passed away at home on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. Born on July 12, 1934, in Milesburg, he was the son of the late Harry “Whitey” and Pearl Elizabeth (Whiteman) McMullen. On September 9, 1955, at the Milesburg Methodist Church, he married the love of his life, Joan Marie (Hampton) McMullen, who survives at home after sharing over 68 years of marriage together.
Ken was a 1952 graduate of Bellefonte High School. He proudly served his country in the United States Army from October 1953 until he was honorably discharged in September 1955. Upon returning home, he furthered his education at Penn State University, graduating in 1967 with his master’s degree in education. He worked as a social studies teacher for three years at Susquenita High School before taking a position at Bald Eagle Area High School. Ken was the Health and Physical Education teacher at Bald Eagle Area High School for 31 years until his retirement in 1993. While at Bald Eagle, he also coached football, track and field, and softball.
In addition to his wife, Joan, he is survived by their two daughters, Sharon Smith (husband, Thomas) of Glenelg, MD, and Kaye Breon of Eldersburg, MD, four grandchildren: Ryan Smith, Rachel Smith, both of Glenelg, MD, Anna Moss (husband, Eric), and Jenna Breon, both of Eldersburg, MD, and two great grandchildren, Audrey and Kenneth Moss. Also surviving is a sister, Sally Heil of West Lake, OH, and two brothers, John “Jack” McMullen of Bellefonte, and Richard McMullen (wife, Arlene Stonebraker) of Albany, GA.
Along with his parents, he was predeceased by brothers, Donald “Don,” Harry “Harp,” Robert “Bob,” and James “Jim,” and sisters, Anna, Eloise, and Eleanor, and son-in-law, Don Breon.
Ken was a member of Faith United Methodist Church in Bellefonte. Additionally, he was a member of the Bellefonte Masonic Lodge #268 F.&A.M., where he served as Worshipful Master in 1976 and 2002, along with receiving his 50-year service pin, the Bellefonte Elks Lodge #1094, serving as a Past Exalted Ruler, the Bellefonte Moose Lodge #206, the American Legion Post #893 in Milesburg, the Tall Cedars of Lebanon (Centre Forest #129), and a Life Member of the Penn State Alumni Association.
He was an avid sports fan and was particularly fond of Penn State and Pittsburgh Steelers football. He enjoyed playing Bingo, golf, traveling, and game nights with family and friends. As a high school sports coach of the football, basketball, girls’ softball, and track and field teams, he also gave countless hours as a PIAA sports official. For his service, he received the 50-year Recognition of PIAA Sports Officiating and is a member of the Officials’ Hall of Honor and Recognition.
Ken always saw the value that came with his profession of teaching; continuing to work within the community, specifically with the youth, remained a priority to him throughout his entire life. Over the years he received recognition for his service with the Department of Environmental Resources working with the Youth Conservation Corp and served as a Summer Playground Director.
While he never hesitated to give his time to youth sports in the area, his favorite way to spend his time was watching and cheering on his grandchildren in their various sporting events throughout the years. They could always count on seeing their Pap watching proudly from the sidelines.
Family and friends will be received on Monday, April 15, 2024, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, at Faith United Methodist Church, 512 Hughes Street, Bellefonte. A Masonic Service will begin at noon, with funeral services immediately to follow with Rev. Andrew Morgan officiating. Full military honors will be carried out at the church, concluding all public services. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are under the direction of Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc. in Bellefonte.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Ken to Family Hospice at 20 Sheraton Drive, Altoona, PA 16601 or online at tiny.cc/FHmemorial or to Faith United Methodist Church at 512 Hughes Street, Bellefonte, PA 16823.