Ronald “Ron” McKain of Cawker City, Kansas, died December 2, 2022, at 9:40 pm at the age of 63. Ron was born July 28, 1959, to Theodore (Ted) and Verda McKain in Concordia, Kansas . Ron graduated from Downs High School in 1977. He married his wife Evelyn (Geist) McKain in Osborne in June of 1977.
As a child, Ron grew up in Downs, Kansas. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. Ron liked to laugh and be happy. He had quick wit for almost any occasion. His dad called him “PQ” because when asked to do something he would always say “pretty quick, dad, pretty quick.” He was also known for having the “fastest feet” in the family. Funny and elaborate stories of the adventures with Ron are told enthusiastically by family members. His siblings say he was not only a good brother but a good friend.
Ron was known as a knowledgeable dependable hard worker. He began his manufacturing career at Port-a-Port in Salina, Kansas. They built small airplane hangars for businesses. Over his 10 years, at Port-a-Port, he traveled to multiple destinations throughout the United States and managed the facility in Salina. In Beloit, Kansas he worked and was promoted to Plant Manager at Landoll Manufacturing. He planned to retired in December after 25 years. His employees recall, “he could run any machine in the building” and even built some of them. He was very proud of the plant and help design the layout. His employees remember he was willing to get dirty and help out on the floor if needed. He took pride in his work and held himself to a high level of excellence.
His greatest love was his family. Ron and Evelyn were high school sweethearts and married for 45 years. As a father of two sons, he enjoyed spending time with his boys. They especially enjoyed time together hunting. He almost always had at least one of his boys with him wherever he went. Brian remembers, his dad never complaining when asked to do things; even it was a simple as just running to the local convenience store. Steven’s fondest memories revolve around how funny his dad could make any situation. He says, “dad was always cracking jokes and making people laugh.” Steven remembers his dad coaching him in YMCA soccer and baseball when he was young. Grandpa Ron loved spending time with his grandchildren especially showing them around the farm and teaching them how to hunt and fish.
Ron was an expert gardener and loved to share his knowledge with family and friends. He and Evelyn spent countless hours harvesting and canning their produce. His family was known to fight over their canned homemade salsa and pickles. He loved animals and on any given day could be found tending to his chickens, ducks, geese, dogs, and cats.
He is survived by his wife Evelyn McKain of Cawker City, Kansas. His son Steven McKain and fiancée Amy Gonzalez of Corpus Christi, Texas and son Brian McKain of Louisburg, Kansas. He adored his grandchildren, Melissa McKain of Corpus Christi, Texas, Benjamin, Ayden, Katie and Jacob McKain of Louisburg, Kansas. His siblings Timothy McKain and wife Tammy of Knob Noster, Missouri, Velann Ediger and husband Wayne of Cookeville, Tenneesse, Sister-in-law Maggie McKain of Osborne, Kansas, Harold McKain and wife Debbie of Tipton, Kansas, Scott McKain of Downs, Kansas, Virginia Pollock and husband Donnie of Wichita, Kansas, Valerie Bauske of Devils Lake, North Dakota and countless nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Theodore (Ted) and Verda McKain and his brother CJ McKain.
Celebration of Life service will be held Wednesday, December 7, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at the First Christian Church in Downs. No visitation.
Memorials may be given to Downs Memorial Park and Waconda Lake Association in care of Domoney Funeral Home, PO Box 127, Downs, KS. 67437