Michael Louis McCray, beloved husband and father, passed away at his home in Overland Park, KS on Wednesday, May 8, 2024. He was born November 20, 1945 to Louis and Kathleen (Roos) McCray. Describing her as his “Angel”, he married his devoted wife of nearly 56 years, Janice (Baltuska) McCray on May 25, 1968. Michael and Janice shared an immense love, with unfailing faith in both God and each other. After graduating from Bishop Miege and taking classes at Donnelly College and Pittsburg State, he served six years in the Navy where he began a career in electronics/equipment repair. He became the Chief Scientific Equipment Repairman for the Research Division of the KC, MO VA Hospital for more than 20 years. During this tenure he began to work on IT for the division. Taking countless computer courses, he earned his degree later in life with more credit hours than many advanced degrees might require. He finished his career at the USDA where he specialized in computer networking. 

Michael is survived by his wife Janice, son Patrick, daughter Sharon (John Neyland, Jr) Maturo, sister Kathy (Larry) Brotherton, brother Paul (Becki) McCray, sister Mary (Wes) DeCaigny, numerous nieces and nephews and extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis McCray, Kay (Roos) McCray, stepmother Betty (Pretz Hohen) McCray, his brothers, Steve (survived by Noella) and Gary (Tinker, also deceased) McCray and his baby sister Margaret, who passed away very early in life. 

Michael served as Boy Scout Master for Troop 34 at Sacred Heart Parish for many years, leading numerous young men and overseeing his son Patrick as he achieved Eagle Scout. He delighted in botanical pursuits and the outdoors, growing all kinds of fruit, grape varieties, vegetables and trees. He designed and built a beautiful, landscaped garden for Janice in which to grow her flowers. Nicknamed “McGyver” by his family – he could fix nearly anything. He loved family, writing, storytelling, planning memorable trips, visiting National Parks, his boyhood dog - JugHead, knot-tying, making Celtic jewelry using intricate patterns, John Wayne, Hank Williams and the antics of Andy Griffith and Barney Fife. A gifted wordsmith and poet with immense faith, he devoted much time later in life to writing and giving talks to the Knights of Columbus. He had an eternal sense of curiosity, a wondered sense of reverence for the world around him and cherished life-long-learning. Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy Body dementia hampered these qualities in the last 4-5 years of his life. Despite these difficulties, he remained strong in spirit. His ever-quick wit provided smiles and laughter at the most indescribable moments. His faith never faltered. 

Visitation will be held at 9:30 a.m. with the Funeral Mass following at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May, 14, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 11300 W. 103rd St. Overland Park, KS.  Burial will be held at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery, Lenexa, KS. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. 

Link for Alzheimer’s Association donation/Tribute page for Michael McCray: https://rb.gy/ea2tuz