George Monnet McKown, 80, of Great Bend, Kansas, died March 11, 2008 at Cherry Village Nursing Home, under the compassionate care of Golden Belt Home Health and Hospice. Born September 21, 1927, in Oklahoma City, he was the son of David Ross McKown and Florence (Monnet) McKown. He married Martha Lu (Johnson) McKown on January 18, 1953. She survives him and currently resides at Cherry Village Nursing Home. George graduated from Classen High School, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and with honors from the University of Oklahoma with a degree in Petroleum Engineering. He was inducted into the prestigious engineering honor society Loyal Knights of Old Trusty. He was also a member of ROTC, the exclusive Tau Beta Pi engineering fraternity, and the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. George was a veteran of the United States Navy and served during the Korean War. He graduated from the Naval Officers Training School in New London, Connecticut. His primary assignment was on the submarine USS Atule. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Lieutenant JG. George enjoyed a long and successful career in the oil and gas industry. After serving for many years as the General Manager of Garvey Drilling, he established DaMac Drilling and built it into a thriving and successful business, employing over 160 people in Kansas and Oklahoma. In addition to Georges many other accomplishments, he invented and patented the Variable Opening Ball Jet drilling bit for Reed Rock Bit Company, a member of the Kansas Independent Oil & Gas Association, and was a former President of the International Association of Drilling Contractors. An active member of the First Christian Church, George was also a member of the American Legion and Great Bend Chapter of Rotary International and served on the Great Bend City Council. While serving on the City Council, he was instrumental in constructing the flood control project. Positively shaping the lives of hundreds of young boys, George was extremely active in the Boy Scouts of America for many years. He was an Eagle Scout, a long-time Scoutmaster of Troop 155 in Great Bend, a member of the Kanza/Quivira Council Executive Board, a recipient of the Silver Beaver Award, Chairman of the Aldrich Trust Committee, and many other scouting positions. Along with his wife, Martha Lu; survivors include four sons: David R. McKown of Maui, Hawaii and Great Bend; Bill J. McKown of Great Bend; Charles R. McKown of Arkansas City, KS; and James R. McKown and wife, Meg of Stillwell, KS. Surviving siblings include: Helen McKown Vera of Tulsa, Oklahoma; Robert McKown of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and Richard McKown of Seattle, Washington. Grandchildren include: Jenna L. McKown, Justin M. McKown, Joshua L. McKown, Michele C. McKown Moeder, William George McKown, J. Cole McKown, Cade J. McKown; and one great grandchild, Skyler J. McKown. He was preceded in death by his parents and by an infant brother, Davis Ross McKown, Jr. George donated his body to the University of Kansas Medical Center's medical research department to specifically study the effects of Myasthenia Gravis; an incurable, debilitating, and insidious disease that he battled for over fifteen years. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2008 at 2:00 pm, at the First Christian Church, 5230 Broadway Avenue, Great Bend, Kansas with Pastor Bill Johnson officiating. Military Rites will conducted by the U.S. Navy Honor Guard. Memorial gifts may be made to the Boy Scouts of America, payable to the Aldrich Trust Fund Committee, which serves the Great Bend area Boy Scouts, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.