Kenneth “Ken” Earl McKay, a devoted family man, decorated outdoorsman, and faithful servant of God, passed away peacefully on March 9, 2026, surrounded by the love and support of his family and Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Kentucky at the Heartford House. He was 80 years young.
Ken’s life was defined by a profound devotion to his faith and family. He was married for 58 years to the love of his life, Edie McKay. Together, they built a life centered on their devout Catholic faith, serving as long time active members of their parish, Saint Peter of Alcantara. He loved his church and community deeply, embodying the values of hard work and compassion in everything he did. He lived his life as a testament to his faith, whether he was graciously serving on the parish council, administering the eucharist, happily volunteering at the church picnic burgoo pit, or passionately singing at mass, even when his hearing and memory failed him.
A proud veteran, Ken served his country as a medic of the Army National Guard, carrying the discipline and pride of his service with a deep-rooted love for his country. He was a lifelong learner and craftsman attending St. Peter Elementary School, Owensboro Catholic High School (Class of 1963), and Owensboro Technical School. There he honed the skills that led to a successful career as a machinist, a trade he approached with precision and dedication at Big Rivers, Ohio Valley Forge, and General Electric. He made lasting impact at Bell South and AT&T as a supervisor for over 32 years before retiring in 2008.
In the world of sport and nature, Ken was a legend. He found peace in the presence of the stillness in the woods. He was a true forerunner in archery. His skill with the bow was equally unmatched as a two-time Pope and Young Member, recognized as a pioneer who mastered the bow long before it was mainstream. His expertise extended to hunt for deer, turkey, and bear, but his greatest thrill was found on the trail of a hound. He was a renowned houndsman, proud owner, and handler of Rough River Barney, a World Hunt Grand American Champion Coon Hound. He never passed up an opportunity to share an adventurous tale with his hunting buddies.
Despite his many trophies, Ken’s greatest joy was his family. His favorite title held, Dad and Granddaddy. He cherished every moment spent playing, laughing, and showering his grandchildren with love. He was a constant beaming presence at every sporting event, never missing a chance to cheer loudly and ring cowbells vigorously from the stands, not only for his children and generations that followed, but for the whole team as well. Furthermore, his legacy lives on through the hunting traditions he instilled in his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, whose successful adventures brought him immeasurable pride and joy. He taught by personal example that dedication and passion are the true marks of a champion. In life, showing up for the people he loved was his greatest victory. His hugs, guidance, and warm smile will be deeply missed, but his spirit remains a guiding light for his family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Anna Philomena Bertke McKay and Joseph Artest McKay, and his brothers, Anthony McKay and Joe Bill McKay.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Edie McKay; his children, Randy (Tina) James, Angie (Todd) Morris, Kim (David) Marshall, and Shawn (Lisa) McKay; his grandchildren, Wes Morris, Ashley (Andy) Spalding, Austin James, Brianne (Masden) Riney, Haley (Ryan) Richeson, Emily (Bear) Chalk, JD Marshall, Ben Marshall, Julia Marshall, Alex Marshall, Leigha McKay, and Kaleb (Trinity) McKay; and his great grandchildren, Jack, Ellie, and Mason Morris, Brooks, Charlie, and Max Spalding, Jayden, Isaac, McKinley, and Hudson James, Easton, Shiloh, and Maddox Riney, and Noah and Will Richeson; and his sister, Dorothy Thomas.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 13, 2026, at St. Peter of Alcantara Catholic Church in Stanley, Kentucky with Fr. Jegin Puthenpurackal and Fr. Will Thompson officiating. Burial to follow at St. Peter Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to visitation at Haley McGinnis on Thursday, March 12, from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. Father Will Thompson will lead in prayer at 6:00 p.m. Visitation will resume at St. Peter of Alcantara Catholic Church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service.
Expressions of sympathy can be made in the form of donations to Saint Peter of Alcantara Parish Hall Fund at 81 Church St, Owensboro, KY, 42301 and Hospice & Palliative Care of Western Kentucky at 3419 Wathen’s Crossing, Owensboro, KY 42301.
Haley McGinnis Funeral Home & Crematory is honored and privileged to be entrusted with the care of Kenneth “Ken” Earl McKay. Please leave condolence messages for the family of Mr. McKay and sign their virtual guestbook at www.haleymcginnis.com.