Larkin McKay Jr.

Larkin McKay, Jr. passed away November 6, 2023, at 97 years of age.  He was born on March 7, 1926 in Pelly, Texas to Larkin McKay Sr. and Laura Minnie McKay.  He grew up in the Tri-Cities area. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Viola Morris and Laura Alice Gardner, brother Donald McKay, and great granddaughters Hailey Litt and Emma Rountree. 

He is survived by his wife of 77 years, Margaret Romero McKay; son Roy McKay and wife Treva; daughters Edith Parrish and husband Jerry; Linda Jansen and husband Mike; and Barbie Hollaway and husband Johnny.  He is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and two great- great grandchildren.  He is also survived by a sister, Lila Grissom, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Larkin attended schools in the Goose Creek area.  During his high school years at Robert E. Lee High School, he left school to join the United States Army.  Because of his military service, he did not participate in the graduation ceremony with his graduating class.  He was able to participate in a graduation ceremony for Robert E. Lee High School in 2002, as an honorary graduate.

Larkin proudly served in World Ward II and the Korean Conflict. During and after his military service, he was employed by Armco Steel.  He retired from Armco Steel with more than 40 years of service. 

In his spare time, he enjoyed going to his property in Lexington, Texas.  There, he raised cattle, and worked the land with his tractor and bull dozer.  He also enjoyed fishing and gardening.  He enjoyed road trips during the Summer, with the Grand Canyon being one of his favorite destinations.  He and two grandsons, Roy McKay, Jr., and Dennis McKay did an overnight hike, camping on the floor of the canyon.  He and Margaret also enjoyed traveling in the Summer with their church family and friends going on mission trips and building churches and holding Vacation Bible School in those communities.

Larkin was a dedicated member of First Baptist Church Highlands, Texas for many years.  He served as a Deacon there, and taught Third Grade Sunday School for many years. 

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the members of First Baptist Church Highlands for their love and support, and the staff at Eastview Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center for the excellent care provided during his stay there.  A special thank you to Heart Home Healthcare, Tiara, for her many years of dedication, care, and love to our family and Amanda for her dedication and support as well.