Otis Mckay

Otis McKay was born July 23, 1936, the youngest out of eleven, to Lonnie McKay and Mary “Bailey” Etta McKay in Pascola, Missouri.

As a son of sharecropper, he developed his intense work ethic and his sense of adventure with his siblings: Lonnie, James, Cecil, Bennie, Robert, Leroy, Lula Mae, Hattie Mae, Emma and Mary .

In the spring of 1947, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and begin a lifelong journey of growth and service.  He attended O’Bannon High School in New Madrid, Missouri until his sense of adventure compelled him to join the United States Air Force on January 4, 1954.  Over his 26 years in the military, he was stationed at: Lackland AFB, TX;F.E. Warren AFB., WY;Laughlin AFB, TX; Tachoswki AFB, Japan; Bunker Hill AFB, IN; Thule AFB, Greenland; Kincheloe AFB, MI;Ramey AFB, PR; Grissom AFB, IN; Tripoli AFB, Libya; Ramstein AFB, Germany; and Lowry AFB, CO.

While in high school he met the love of his life, Fairy McKinney.  They were married on May 29, 1958and she remained a faithful wife to him until her passing August 7, 2005.

To this union, God gave them three children: “Patty”, “Chucky” and “Nana”.  He was a devoted dad, who worked hard to provide for his family, prioritizing faith, work and fun in their home. He was the type of dad who attended every sporting and school event and taught family bible studies.

He was playfully competitive with board games and was the neighborhood dad who played regularly outside with his kids and their friends.  Together with Fairy, they provided an exciting, secure nest for their children as they traveled in different cultures, schools and environments.

In February 1, 1980, he retired from the United States Air Force and begin working at the United States Postal Service.  There he held a variety of positions including facilitator and carrier until he retired.

For those who knew him well, they understood that his passion was Jesus and to serve others.  He was ordained as an elder at Lowry Community Christian Church and for over 25 years, he served and discipled many.

He took church leadership seriously and led courageously, even in times when decisions were unpopular. The day before his passing his challenge in a family meeting was that in all things, “Christ is to be edified.  If Christ is edified, all other things will fall into place”.

Otis went into the eternal presence of his Lord on January 11, 2021.

He is survived by his three children: Patricia (Brian) Wells, Otis (Nancy) McKay Jr, Cynthia (Michael) Alexander; sister Mary Baskerville; ten grandchildren: Antoine Payton, Kevin Wells, Delores Wells, Amber Bernadette (Herman) Mosely, Michael (Karen) Wells, Mychol Alexander, Sommer McKay, Otis (Alex) McKay III, Christina (Mawukle) Yebuah and Kyra Williams; and 9 great grandchildren , as well as a host of living nieces, nephews and friends. In addition to his parents and loving wife, Fairy, he was preceded in death by his brothers Lonnie McKay Jr., James McKay, Cecil McKay, Bennie McKay, Robert McKay, Leroy McKay as well as sisters Lula Mae Willis, Hattie Mae Branch, and Emma Treadwell.

In lieu of flowers, the family humbly requests that donations be made to the Lowry Community Christian Church – designated “Missions (McKay) Fund” online at lowrychurch.org and click the “GIVE” button or donations can be mailed to the church at P.O. Box 201088, Denver, CO 80230

Due to the restrictions with Covid, the Funeral Service will be for family and invited guests only.

If you were unable to be at the Funeral Service, then please click on the link below to see a recording of the Service

https://vimeo.com/therealkeithwilliams/download/500188086/612cd4563d

If you were unable to be at Fort Logan National Cemetery, where the USAF rendered him Full Honors.

Then please click on the link below for a recording of the Service

https://vimeo.com/therealkeithwilliams/download/500546658/5aa6e1f9b4