Frederick Shawn McGavern

Frederick (Fred) McGavern, age 73, passed away at his home on July 3, 2025.

He was born on September 2, 1951, in Alliance, to Robert and Georgianna (Binius) McGavern.

Fred graduated from Minerva High School in 1969. He worked at Teledyne Monarch Rubber in Hartville, OH from the mid 1970’s until they closed around 1990. Fred then took courses at Mount Union and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary where he received his Diploma in Pastoral Ministries in May of 1988. He also received his Lay Leader Certification at the same time. Fred worked for Coastal Pet Products for 20 years until his retirement in 2016. He was a family man and he loved spending time with his wife and by coaching both his daughter’s softball team and his son’s baseball team and he encourage all of them in any endeavors they chose. He also took enjoyment from playing with the many family dogs that they had through the years.

Fred was first a member of First Christian Church in Alliance where he served as a youth leader and was a handbell ringer and played on the men’s church league softball team and served on many boards during his time at First Baptist. He also served as interim pastor at First Baptist Church in Alliance before becoming the pastor of First Baptist Church of Otsego. He then became a member of First Christian Church in Alliance.

Fred was a Free & Accepted Mason at Homeworth Lodge (Conrad) and was a 5-time Past Master. He was also a member of Order of The Eastern Star with the Legacy Chapter #596 and 5-time past Worthy Patron. Fred was also a member of the Scottish Rite Valley of Canton.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 54 years, Linda (Cully) McGavern; children, Jennifer McGavern and Shawn F McGavern; brothers, Robert Berlitich and Ed McGavern; and sisters, Peggy Knox and Kathy (Sue) Moore.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A celebration of life will be held at First Christian Church in Alliance, 1141 W Beach St, Alliance, OH 44601 on August 2nd at 12:00 p.m with a light lunch to follow so that his family and friends can share funny stories and fond memories.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to Michael’s World (which helps kids that need clothing in the Alliance Area). Please send donations to First Christian Church Alliance, 1141 W Beach St, Alliance, OH 44601.