Don McKay

Edward Donald (Don) McKay III, 76, of Champaign, died at 12:22 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 17, 2025, surrounded by his three children.  

Don was born in Robinson on June 30, 1949, to Edward and Mary (nee Bostick) McKay. He grew up with his two brothers, Bill and Dick. The three boys enjoyed a classic 1950s childhood filled with fun and adventure, and occasional mischief. Don developed a fondness for the outdoors and geology through his father. He graduated in 1967 from Robinson High School, where he played multiple sports, participated in band, and met his high school sweetheart, and love of his life, Linda Connett.  

Following in his father’s footsteps, Don attended Hanover College in Indiana. He was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity and graduated with a degree in Geology in 1971. Don and Linda were married on Feb. 8, 1969.  Their marriage and love story spanned 48 years until she passed away in 2017.  

Don and Linda moved to Urbana in 1971 where Don pursued his graduate studies and began his career at the Illinois State Geological Survey. He completed his master's (1975) and Ph.D. (1977) degrees in geology from the University of Illinois. His primary research interests were in glacial and quaternary geology. He was an early promoter of the use of digital technology in geology. Don fostered the creation of digital products and databases, enhanced computer mapping and 3-D visualization capabilities, and had the Survey's publications scanned and posted online. He initiated open access to well records, seismic data, and maps. More broadly, under Don’s leadership, the ISGS became the largest state geological survey in the nation, its national and international programmatic reach expanding widely. He retired as director of the Illinois State Geological Survey and as the 12th State Geologist of Illinois in 2014. Throughout his career, his fondest times were those spent in the field with his colleagues. He loved getting out of the office and back to his fieldwork roots. 

Don’s greatest joy in life was his family, which included his three children, seven grandchildren, and a series of much beloved dogs. The years he and Linda spent raising their family were busy and joyful. They made family summer vacations a priority, and Don made these trips magical for the kids. Don was a hands-on dad, who eagerly participated in his children’s activities, whether as a Boy Scout leader or chaperone on church mission trips. After long days at work, he helped them conquer algebra at the kitchen table. Never too busy to help his kids, Don happily took time away from writing his doctoral dissertation to help Cathy write her second grade ladybug report. Don and Linda often referred to these years as the happiest of their lives.

Don had many pastimes and interests, including gardening, hiking, genealogy, Illini sports, travel, and watching his grandchildren’s many sporting events. You could find him on a Sunday doing crossword puzzles, working on his koi pond, and helping Linda prepare for weekly family dinner with all the kids and grandkids. His children remember being raised in a house that was always filled with laughter.

Late in his life, after receiving his Alzheimer’s diagnosis, he continued to embrace life with a positive attitude and willingness to participate in as many activities as possible. His bravery was an inspiration. 

Don is preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Bill; and his wife, Linda. 

He is survived by his children, Catherine (Eric) Stickels of Champaign, Brian (Courtney Ballard) McKay of Champaign and Allison (Blake) Poindexter of Aledo, Texas; grandchildren, Rachel Stickels, Jack Stickels, Hannah Stickels, Davis McKay, Grant McKay, Claire Poindexter and Kyle Poindexter. Also surviving are his brother Dick McKay of Edmond, Okla.; and nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Champaign, where he was a decades long member and volunteer.

Don will be buried in a private ceremony at Mount Hope Cemetery followed by a memorial service at First Presbyterian Church of Champaign located at 302 W. Church St., Champaign at 1 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 24, 2025.  The service will be live streamed and you can join from the link below. Friends may greet the family immediately following the service in Westminster Hall for refreshments. Guests are invited to wear plaid to the service in celebration of Don’s Scottish heritage. 

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