Floyd Ellsworth McCain Jr.

Floyd was born on April 19, 1941, in Jefferson, Iowa, to Anna Lee and Floyd McCain, Sr. He grew up in Jefferson, a small town he remembered fondly for its idyllic setting and the freedom of childhood. Some of his favorite memories were of roaming the woods and fishing, interests that remained close to his heart throughout his life.

Floyd began his college education at Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa, in 1959. After enduring a particularly harsh winter, he transferred to the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, where he earned an MBA in business with a minor in psychology in 1964. He spent a year teaching business courses at an Albuquerque high school before returning to Indiana, where his parents had relocated. He continued his education at Indiana University in Bloomington, earning a Doctor of Education degree in 1969.

In 1970, Floyd moved to Kansas City to teach at the University of Missouri–Kansas City. After several years in academia, he began a career with the Social Security Administration. He retired in 1996 as a Disability Examiner, beginning a long retirement filled with opportunities to pursue his interests and enjoy time with family and friends.

Floyd and Betty enjoyed visiting art museum exhibits across the country with friends and often shared meals with their close circle. A founding member of Crossroads Church of Kansas City, Floyd also started a writers’ group that brought him great joy.

During his long retirement, Floyd spent many years fishing and camping at Stockton Lake with his 16-foot aluminum fishing boat and pickup camper. An avid reader, he favored nonfiction about wilderness exploration and adventure. In his final months, he and Betty enjoyed reading together and watching favorite television shows in the evenings. Quiet and thoughtful, Floyd treasured his family and friends and cared deeply about the state of the country.

During his final seven months, Floyd faced pancreatic cancer, ultimately spending his last days at Kansas City Hospice House. His passing marks the end of a life shaped by learning, adventure, creativity, and enduring relationships.

Floyd was preceded in death by his parents, Anna Lee and Floyd McCain, Sr., and his older sister, Kathryn Morris.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Betty; his niece, Kelly Collins, and nephew, Michael DiBenedetto, both of the Kansas City area, along with their extended families; his niece, Ann VanZandt, of Crestview, Florida, and her extended family; and his great-nephews, Nate and Matt Prosser, of Tallahassee, Florida, and their extended families.

Floyd will be remembered for his thoughtful nature, his love of the outdoors and lifelong learning, his creative spirit, and the lasting connections he shared with those fortunate enough to know him. His life leaves behind many memories of quiet adventures, meaningful conversations, and a love for the people who mattered most.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 14th 2026, at Crossroads Church of Kansas City (7917 Main, KCMO 64114) at 2:00pm.