Delmar Lawrence McKay, Jr. was born at home on January 31, 1937 in What Cheer, Iowa. He was the son of Delmar McKay, Sr. and Irene Beasley McKay. He passed from a well-lived life on June 1, 2025.
Delmar grew up with three brothers on a farm near Gibson, Iowa. He graduated as class president from the Gibson class of 1955. He loved sharing Army stories of his service in Korea. He could remember the names of all his buddies. He was honorably discharged in 1958.
On November 19, 1960, he married the love of his life, Rachel Oldaker. They were born two houses from each other in What Cheer. Delmar set a pretty high bar for the son-in-laws of his four daughters.
Being a McKay, he had a natural gift for conversation. This served him well in a career in sales. He won numerous awards during his Funks-G days. He had a retirement career in crop adjusting.
While providing very well for his family, Delmar still found time for annual fishing trips to Canada, rail riding, and time with many friends. He was a talented self-taught carpenter.
Delmar is survived by his daughters Jene Miller, Raeanne Monk (Steve), Lorie McKay (Erik Acker), son-in-law David Hines, and sister-in-law Helen McKay, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife Rachel, daughter Beth Hines, son-in-law Randy Miller, his three brothers Lee, Les, and Larry, and his parents.
Memorials can be made to the What Cheer Opera House. He will be interned at 16 Cemetery, What Cheer, Iowa.
