Kenneth L. Mckay

On Saturday, February 25, 2023, Kenneth L. McKay, loving husband and father of four children, passed away at the age of 91.

Kenneth was born on September 14, 1931, in Park Springs, TX, to Calvin Luther (CL)and Ilo Sue (Thomason) McKay. He received his Master's Degree from the Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, in 1971.  He taught and was an administrator in public education for 46 years. On December 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, and especially history of the United States.  He worked tirelessly sharing his love of US history with anyone he encountered.  He memorized and quoted several historical documents, such as the Declaration of Independence, the US Constitution, and the Gettysburg Address up to his death.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. He is survived by his wife Dorothy, his four children, Susan, Stephen and wife Jan, Patrick, 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 will be held 10:00 a.m. Thursday, March 2, 2023 at the First Baptist Church of Decatur with burial to follow at Sunset Cemetery. Family will receive friends 6 - 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.