The Excelsior Standard, March 14, 2025

Clarence McKay Jr.

Deacon Clarence (Bud) McKay Jr., 88, passed peacefully March 7, 2025. Born Aug. 9, 1936, in Topeka, Kan., to Clarence W. McKay Sr. and Maxine Bowman-McKay, he graduated in 1954 from Topeka High School before proudly serving in the U.S. Navy. He was stationed on the USS Shangri-La until his honorable discharge in November 1961. On Oct. 24, 1959, in Topeka, Bud married the love of his life, Rose Mary Heiman. Together, they built a beautiful life, raising five children and enjoying 65 years of love and friendship.

Bud worked for the grocery store Falley’s in Topeka. Years later, he moved from Topeka to Excelsior Springs to open and manage a store for Associated Grocers. He loved the grocery business because he formed lifelong bonds with wonderful people who became family. Many memories and friendships came from their store, Rose Bud’s Thriftway.

He then pursued his true passion: serving as a deacon and hospital chaplain. He worked at St. Patrick’s Hospital in Lake Charles, La., and St. John’s in Springfield.

Bud graduated cum laude in 1994 from Missouri State University.

Upon retirement, Bud and Rose returned to Excelsior Springs to be closer to family and friends. They cherished being able to watch their children and grandchildren grow and attend their many activities.

Bud was preceded in death by his father, Clarence McKay Sr.; stepmother, Maxene McKay; mother, Maxine, and stepfather, Bob Owen; and niece, Amanda McKay Rimer.

Bud is survived by his wife of 65 years, Rose Mary McKay; and brother, Ronald W. McKay (Sally). Other survivors include his children: Jenise Schraad, Steven (Renee) McKay, Pamela (Vince) Vogler, Teresa Wells (Rick Garand) and Marlene (Mike) Bennett.

Additional survivors include his grandchildren: Dylan (Theresa), Shania, Whitney (James), Jacob (Abby), Caleb (Kate), Tyler (Tara), Dylan (Lyric), Derek (Haley), Cami, Emily (Casey), Harley, Haley and Kai. He also is survived by his great-grandchildren: Augustus, Hendrick, Nolan, Carson, Madelyn, Emmelia, Stevie, Ruby, Asher, Ember, Dean, Emma, Connor, Mason, Jaydlynn and Alexis.

Services were scheduled for Thursday, March 13, at St. James Catholic Church in Liberty, with the visitation at 10 a.m., Rosary at 10:40 and Mass at 11. Burial was to be at 2 p.m. at Crown Hill Cemetery in Excelsior Springs.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the entire staff at the Life Care Center in Seneca, Kan., for their compassionate care of Bud over the past two years.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. James School; 309 S. Stewart Road; Liberty, MO 64068 to support the playground building fund.