Darrell E. McKay, Sr.
Darrell was born October 4, 1943, the son of George Edwin McKay and Virginia Elizabeth (nee Lechten) Marsh. Darrell grew up and attended school in Sullivan, graduating in the class of 1961. As a young man, he had several jobs including making donuts in the bakery and becoming an orderly at Sullivan Hospital which then encouraged his interest in Radiography.
With his newfound interest in radiography, Darrell soon furthered his education and began Radiologic Technology School. He found that this seemed to be his special talent in life.
Darrell was united in marriage to the love of his life, Janet Faye Ridenhour on June 17, 1966. Together they were blessed with two sons, Darrell Jr. and Richard.
Darrell decided to continue his education at East Central Community College and graduated in 1973 with an Associate’s Degree. He then continued on and received a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Missouri - Columbia in 1976 followed by achieving his Master’s Degree in 1980. Darrell continued pursuing higher education and obtained his PhD from Saint Louis University in 1988. He never lost his love for learning.
Darrell’s extensive and rewarding career began at the Sullivan Hospital in 1969 until his transfer to the University of Missouri - Columbia in 1974. He completed his career at Saint Louis Community College – Forest Park in 2007 after 30 years of employment. At STLCC he was in charge of the Radiologic Technology and the Life Sciences Department.
During his career, Darrell did a lot of work with his R.T. Societies. He held offices at the Missouri Society and American Society of Radiologic Technologists, served in the leading credentialing organization, ARRT and was an officer in the International Society. Along with all of these positions came a lot of traveling, across the United States and around the world. He loved teaching his courses at school, Sunday School, CCW classes & gun safety. His greatest possessions were his books! He has friends and colleagues all over the world that will be saddened at his passing.
Darrell received Jesus Christ into his heart and was baptized as a young boy. He was always encouraged in his faith by his wonderful Christian mother. Over the years, and all the places, he served his church in many offices and duties. He loved Jesus Christ and served Him in any capacity he was called to do. Darrell loved life and enjoyed his time with his family and serving the Lord.
Darrell is survived by his wife of 57 years, Janet McKay of High Ridge, MO; two sons, Darrell Jr. of Washington, MO and Richard of Arnold, MO; two grandchildren, Karli McKay of Bristol, VA, and Ricky McKay of Arnold, MO; three sisters-in-law: Linda Ridenhour of High Ridge, MO, Mitzi Heady of Farmington, MO and Juanita McKay of Sullivan, MO; other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, George McKay; his mother, Virginia (Lechten) Marsh; his stepfather, Ralph Marsh; his brother, Ron McKay; stepsister, Chleo Ruwwe; his mother and father-in-law, Jack and Lillian Ridenhour; and one brother-in-law, Dean Heady, Jr.
A Remembrance Memorial service will be 11:30 AM, Monday, November 20, 2023 at New Hope Fellowship in High Ridge, Missouri with Pastor Dan Ross officiating.
Visitation will be 10:30 – 11:30 AM, Monday, November 20, 2023 at New Hope Fellowship in High Ridge.
Graveside Services will be 3 PM, November 20, 2023 at Schmidt Cemetery in Sullivan.
Memorial contributions may be made to the New Hope Leadership Academy.
Friends may send their online condolences to Darrell’s family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com
All arrangements are under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan.