The Richmond News, Jan. 30, 2026

Jay McFee

Jay Dean McFee, 71, of Richmond passed away Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, at Shirkey Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Richmond. Jay was born Jan. 8, 1955, in North Kansas City, the son of Shannon Lloyd and Lois (Bowery) McFee. He was united in marriage to Doreen Kay Crook of Hardin on May 22, 1976. She survives of the home. Additional survivors include his son, Brandon McFee of Richmond; daughter, Valine Thaxton of Richmond; and five grandchildren, Mackenzie (Aaron) Fletcher, Kianna Thaxton, Kamron Thaxton, Terrell Thaxton and Malaki Thaxton. He also is survived by his great-grandson, Princeton Thaxton; sister, Mary Williams of Richmond; and three brothers, twin brother Ray (Jessica) McFee of Raytown, and Monty McFee and Mark McFee, both of Richmond.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Michael McFee; and infant sister, Laura McFee.

Jay was raised and educated in Richmond and spent his working years in manufacturing, operating a forklift for Variform in Kearney and later for RR Donnelley in Liberty.

Music was a big part of Jay’s life, and he loved playing the guitar. One of his greatest joys was using that gift to lead worship while he was a member of CFM Church in Richmond.

Jay also enjoyed fishing. But above all, he was a child at heart who loved nothing more than playing with and spending time with his grandchildren. Known for his fun-loving nature and natural sense of humor, Jay could always make people laugh, and truly cherished time with his family and friends.

He was the kind of guy who would show up at your house simply because he was bored – and because he wanted to be with the people he loved. Jay never met a stranger.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Jay McFee Memorial Fund. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home; 507 E. Main St.-P.O. Box 190; Richmond, MO 64085.

Visitation and memorial services were scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 28, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond, with visitation beginning at 1 p.m. and services to follow at 2. Inurnment will be held at a later date by the family.

Please share your memories of Jay with the family at www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.