The Richmond News, May 8, 2026

Michael Bryan McElwee, 45, of Hardin passed away peacefully in his sleep the morning of April 24, 2026, in Kearney. Mike was born Oct. 20, 1980, in Salida, Colo., to the late Steven O. McElwee and Linda B. (Pauley McElwee) Strain. Mike graduated from Orrick High School before joining the U.S. Marine Corps. After serving his country, Mike served his community as assistant chief of the Hardin Fire Protection  District.

You would often find Mike reading in his downtime when he wasn’t thinking up pranks to pull.

His love of nature would often lead him to go fishing and hiking. He loved to brag that he was the best fisherman, only to watch his mom and brother outfish him.

In addition to his father, Mike was preceded in death by his grandparents, George and Creo McElwee, La-Verne and Loretta Pauley, and GG Strain; aunts, Amy Walker and Rita McElwee; and uncles, Elwyn Greer, Ben Woody and Bill McElwee.

Mike is survived by his mother Linda and bonus dad, Bret Strain, of Hardin; daughters, Trinity Taylor of Parksley, Va., and Shelbie McElwee of Fleming; brother, Jeff (Laura) McElwee; and their children, Stephanie, Kierstin, Michael and Joseph McElwee of Orrick.

Other survivors include his bonus children, Mahayla (Michael) Lane, Maria (Jordan) Engle and Gavin Wood with his ex-wife, Angel McDermed, all of Independence; companion, Jodi Hague, and her children of Kearney; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

A celebration of life will be held 5:30-9 p.m. Friday, May 8, at the American Legion/VFW building in Richmond. Inurnment will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 15, at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery at Higginsville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Til Valhalla Project supporting the mental health of military personnel and first responders.