Patrick James McKenzie

Patrick James McKenzie, 58, of Vermilion, passed away on March 10, 2026, at his home. Born on October 3, 1967, in Bellevue, he was the son of Rev. James P. and Mary (Drown) McKenzie.

Pat graduated from Bellevue High School in 1986, where he played sousaphone in the band and was active in FFA. He began his working life at Mid-Ohio Chemical but found special joy helping his Grandpa Drown on the family farm. He later attended Marietta College, graduating in 1995 as a member of the choir. While there, he served as a student pastor and provided pulpit supply at Paw Paw UMC in Warner, Ohio. In 1996, Pat began a long career with CenturyLink as a service technician, retiring in 2019. He was deeply committed to his union, serving as a representative for CWA Local 4302.

A man of strong faith, Pat served in many roles throughout his life, including with the Praise Team at the former Seybert UMC in Bellevue and for seven years in the technical department at The Chapel in Sandusky, three of those as volunteer technical director. Known affectionately as “Uncle Purple” to his nieces and nephews, he cherished time with his family. He was an excellent cook, loved playing video games, and remained a passionate supporter of Cleveland’s Browns, Cavs, and Guardians, as well as The Ohio State Buckeyes.

Pat is survived by the love of his life, Michelle (Johnson), whom he married on May 12, 2024, in a beachside ceremony in Corolla, North Carolina; his sisters, Jackie (Mike) Becks of Bellevue and Victoria (David) Elswick of Castalia; stepson, Matthew Steckel of Vermilion; uncle, Lonnie (Jean) McKenzie of Florida; aunt, Phyllis Drown of Michigan; nieces and nephews, Kylin (Kourtney) Elswick, Aaron (Makayla) Becks, Charles “C.J.” (Hayley) Elswick, Joshua Becks, Emily Becks, Daniel Becks, Rachel Becks, Amber Luma, and Ethan Luma; five great-nephews and one great-niece; sister-in-law, Natasha (Blaine) Luma-Stearns of Port Clinton; special cousin, Andrew (Melissa) Drown of Michigan; mother-in-law, Julie Doyle; and numerous cousins and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents and father-in-law, Stanley B. Doyle.