Eli J. McKay

Eli J. McKay, age 80, passed away peacefully on November 16,2023. He was born in Bellaire Ohio, graduated from St Clairsville High School in 1961 and Ohio University in 1964. While at OU he was in the ROTC, and went into the US Air Force after graduation. He married Mary Sue Lightfoot in 1966.

Eli and Mary Sue raise their family in Pataskala Ohio. He worked for Nationwide insurance in the '70s and sold some of the first lots in Beechwood Trails where the family resided. Spent many years with NaCom, a cable TV contracting firm. He traveled much of the Eastern US at job sites throughout the '80s and '90s. Among other positions, including owning his own contracting firm, He retired finding a role that he enjoyed in PT courier for businesses and individuals. And, he reconnected with old friends in town.

He never met a stranger. Rarely could just say hello on the phone, there was always a one-liner or joke. And he had the most amazing memory for jokes over the years. Many crosswords and many books, along with lots of time with his family and his dog, Lady, kept him busy during retirement.

He was a long time member of Pataskala United Methodist Church.

Eli is survived by wife Mary Sue, daughter Mary McKay, daughter Susan Kidd, granddaughter Riley Kidd and son in law Troy Kidd. Brothers Dr Michael (Michelle) McKay and Daniel (Pam) McKay and many nieces and nephews, and his best friend, his cocker spaniel, Lady.

He has left this earth, but joins his parents, Eli and Sophia McKay, in laws, Paul and Betty Lightfoot, sister in law Kathleen Stevens, niece Morgan McKay, and best friend, Stanley Wiecinski.

Friends and family may pay their respects at Kauber-Fraley Funeral Home in Pataskala, Ohio. Calling hours Monday November 20, 2023 from 4pm-8pm, and Tuesday Nov. 21st at 10am with a service at 11am.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Mount Carmel Hospice, who took great care of Eli in the last few months of his life, or Licking County Humane Society.