Richard J. McLay

Richard J. McLay, 87, of Kokomo, passed away at 4:20 am, Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Brickyard Healthcare in Kokomo. He was born on December 31, 1937, in Kokomo, the son of the late James M. and Ruby L. (Tull) McLay. On October 25, 2002, he married Ora M. (Guy) Jaenicke in Monticello, IN and she survives.

Richard was a 1955 graduate of Kokomo High School. He served in the U.S. Army as an SP4. He worked as a foreman at Syndicate Sales and Stellite before that. In 1984, he opened and operated his own donut shop. He was a great cook and baker. Richard enjoyed playing golf and loved fishing and the time he and Ora spent on Lake Freeman. They also enjoyed wintering in Florida from 2002 to 2010.

Along with his wife, Ora Jaenicke, Richard is survived by his children, Richard D. “Rick” (Sue) McLay and Cynthia Sharp; stepdaughter, Gina (Terry) Roe; grandchildren, Stephanie Sharp and Ashley (Dylan) Boggs; sister, Kathy (Paul) McLay Hecker; stepdaughter-in-law, Karol Jaenicke; and several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, stepson, Randal Jaenicke, grandson, Gregory Sharp, and sister, Carolyn (Kenneth) Owsley.

To keep with Richard’s wishes there will be no public services.  Private inurnment will and military honors will be observed at Marion National Cemetery. Shirley & Stout Funeral Homes & Crematory have been entrusted with arrangements.

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