On Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, Kenneth L. McKay, loving husband and father of four children, passed away at the age of 91.
Kenneth was born on Sept. 14, 1931, in Park Springs, Texas, to Calvin Luther “CL” and Ilo Sue Thomason McKay. He received his master’s degree from Brown University in Providence, R.I. in 1971. He taught and served as an administrator in public education for 46 years. On Dec. 29, 1954, he married Dorothy Mary Groux. They raised one daughter, Susan, and three sons, Stephen, Patrick and James.
Along with his wife and beloved family, Kenneth leaves behind a multitude of students that were impacted during his 46-year commitment to public education. At the heart of who Kenneth was, he loved to learn and impart knowledge to others. Kenneth had a massive personal library and was eager to loan his books to anyone who asked.
Students from his earliest days as a classroom teacher in Stinnett, Texas remained in touch with him and visited with him until his death. Because of his positive impact on his students, many chose to be educators themselves. His passion for teaching, sharing stories and reliving old memories was unparalleled.
Kenneth was also a true patriot who loved his country. He served in the United States Marine Corps, as well as the Navy during the Korean War. Kenneth was an avid student of history, especially history of the United States. He worked tirelessly, sharing his love of U.S. history with anyone he encountered.
He memorized and quoted several historical documents, such as the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and the Gettysburg Address, up to his death. He continued serving his country by volunteering as an election official at the local level in communities where he lived. He truly believed in his country.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his father, CL; his mother, Sue; sister Sharon and her husband, David.
KENNETH L. MCKAY
He is survived by his wife, Dorothy; his four children, Susan, Stephen and wife Jan, Patrick and wife Cindy and James; 11 grandchildren; a great-grandson; his sister, Wanda; his brother, Jerry and wife Joyce; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Kenneth McKay possessed a larger-than-life personality, as well as a “booming” voice. He will be missed by his loved ones, family and friends alike.
A funeral service took place at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 2, 2023, at the First Baptist Church, located in Decatur, Texas. Family received friends from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, March 1 at the funeral home.
