Keith Alan George McKay was born December 15, 1925, in Wessington, South Dakota, to George and Dorothy (Bowman) McKay. When he was 10 the family moved to Sturgis to operate the McKay Drug Store. After high school graduation, Keith joined the Army Air Corps, serving two years before going to pharmacy school at South Dakota State University. Upon graduation from SDSU, he returned to the Air Force during the Korean War. In 1951, he assumed ownership of McKay Drug. A year later he married Louise Reed and gained an eight-year-old son, Tom. The family grew with Brian in 1954 and Scott in 1957.

Keith spent many years on Main Street Sturgis. In addition to the drug store, he purchased the Lee Store building, which became the Ben Franklin Store. The Ben Franklin closed in 1992, and in 1995, Keith began retirement by closing McKay Drug. Both of these businesses had a large customer base from which Keith made many lasting friendships. His business motto was, "The customer comes first!"

Louise, the love of his life, passed away unexpectedly in late December of 1996. He then spent his time traveling, fishing, golfing, and visiting with family and friends, up until 2013, when his new home became Aspen Grove Assisted Living in Sturgis. True to his character, Keith brightened the lives of the residents and staff with his endless smiles, laughter, and spontaneous bursts of singing.

Keith was a member of the American Legion Post 33, in Sturgis, for over 77 years, a long-time member of Masonic Lodge 0047, and the Sturgis Presbyterian Church.

Grateful for having shared in his life are his son, Scott (Elizabeth) McKay and their children, Alison and William, and his daughters-in-law, Betty Reed and Candy McKay, as well as a large extended family.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Louise, and sons, Tom Reed and Brian McKay.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to the American Legion Post 33, Sturgis, SD, First Presbyterian Church, or the SDSU School of Pharmacy.

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