Robert Lee “Red” McEwen, 85, of Tyrone died Saturday, August 18, 2018 at Graystone Manor. He was born June 1, 1933 in Commodore, PA, the son of the late Thomas and Margaret Cunliff McEwen. On August 29, 1953 he married Nancy Lee Cox who survives. He is also survived by 3 daughters: Robin (Dan) McEwen-Lauff, Rhonda (Bud) Boom, and Roslyn (Chris) Salyer, all of Tyrone; 1 son: Robert “Fella” McEwen II of Tyrone; 1 sister: Shirley Fink; 1 sister-in-law: Myra McEwen; 8 grandchildren: Leta Atkinson, Adam Eckley, Heather and Marijo Whalen, Ashley Hamer, Katie and Everett Salyer and Kendra Boom; and 8 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son: William and many brothers and sisters.

Red was a 1951 graduate of Tyrone High School. After graduation he began working for Westvaco as a yard watchmen and retired as a Rigger Oiler in 1995. He was a member of the Blazing Arrow Hook and Ladder Volunteer Fire Company where he served in many capacities but was heavily involved in the Ambulance Association and also served as the past president of the Blair County Ambulance Association. He loved to ride motorcycles and was an avid archer, crafting his own strings and arrows. He could often be seen walking Pugslee, mowing everyone’s yard on Bald Eagle Avenue and had a tool collection that rivaled no other.

In lieu of a memorial service the family has chosen to have an annual celebration of life on Red's birthday. In lieu of flowers contributions in Red’s memory may be made to The Blazing Arrow Hook and Ladder Vilunteer Fire Company, 1216 Blair Ave. Tyrone, PA 16686 and the Central PA Humane Society, 1837 E Pleasant Valley Blvd. Altoona, PA 16602.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Richard H. Searer Funeral Home, Inc.