Clarence Walter McKay

Deacon Clarence (Bud) McKay Jr, 88 passed peacefully on March 7, 2025. Born on August 9th, 1936, in Topeka, KS to Clarence W. McKay Sr and Maxine Bowman-McKay. He graduated from Topeka High School in 1954 before proudly serving in the United States Navy where he was stationed on the USS Shangri-La until his honorable discharged in November 1961.

On October 24, 1959, in Topeka, KS Bud married the love of his life, Rose Mary Heiman. Together they built a beautiful life, raising five children and enjoyed 65 years of love and friendship. Bud worked for Falley's grocery in Topeka, years later moved to Excelsior Springs, MO to open and manage a store for Associated Grocers. He loved the grocery business because he was able to form 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 Saint Patrick's Hospital in Lake Charles, LA as well as St. John's in Springfield, MO. Bud graduated Cum Laude from Missouri State University in 1994. Upon retirement, they moved back 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 is preceded in death by: father, Clarence McKay Sr., stepmother Maxene McKay, mother Maxine and Bob Owen, stepfather, niece Amanda McKay Rimer. 

Bud is survived by his wife of 65 years, Rose Mary McKay, his brother Ronald W McKay (Sally). Children: Jenise Schraad, Steven (Renee) McKay, Pamela (Vince) Vogler, Teresa Wells (Rick Garand), Marlene (Mike) Bennett. Grandchildren: Dylan (Theresa), Shania, Whitney (James), Jacob (Abby), Caleb (Kate), Tyler (Tara), Dylan (Lyric), Derek (Haley), Cami, Emily (Casey), Harley, Haley and Kai. Great Grandchildren: Augustus, Hendrick, Nolan, Carson, Madelyn, Emmelia, Stevie, Ruby, Asher, Ember, Dean, Emma, Connor, Mason, Jaydlynn, and Alexis.

Mass of Christian burial will be 11:00am, Thursday, March 13, 2025 at St. James Catholic Church (309 S. Stewart Road, Liberty, MO) Visitation will be 10 -1040am with the praying of the Rosary at 10:40am. Committal Services will be at 2pm in Crown Hill Cemetery in Excelsior Springs, MO.

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