Funeral services for John R. McKay, age 70, of West Monroe, Louisiana, will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, September 9, 2016, at Cedar Crest Baptist Church in West Monroe, Louisiana. Bro. Greg Clark will officiate. Interment will follow at 2:00 PM at Big Creek Cemetery in Pollock, Louisiana under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home West Monroe.John was born October 26, 1945 in Monroe, Louisiana and departed this world for Heaven on Monday, September 5, 2016. John is preceded in death by his parents, Marshall Floyd McKay and Betty McKay; his brothers Roy McKay, Ray McKay and Floyd McKay; and his son-in-law, Michael Smith. John is survived by his wife, Dana, his daughter, Kim Smith and his granddaughter, Hannah Smith. John was a loving husband, father and friend. John graduated from Pollock High School and continued his college education at Northeast Louisiana University. He was a retired salesman for Tool House in Monroe, Louisiana. However, he found his life passion at the age of 35 when he gave his life to Christ and began working in student ministry. John spent over half his life faithfully serving the local church as a bi-vocational student pastor. He served as the Student Pastor at Ouachita Baptist Church in West Monroe, Louisiana for over a decade. Many of his former students are in ministry positions today as staff members or as volunteers because of his dedication and leadership. John also served in leadership positions at Cross Camp and Student Impact as well as organizing and leading various student retreats and conferences. For the past 10 years John & his wife, Dana lead a Bible study in their home for international students from the University of Louisiana at Monroe. Hundreds of students lives have literally been changed around the world because of his love for people and his unyielding pursuit for spreading the gospel. It has been said It didnt matter where you came from, who you were, the country you lived in, the color of your skin. John brought all together. He loved you like a father and friend. No potential was lost or wasted. He loved watching West Monroe High School football & LSU football, fishing and spending time with those he loved. His favorite person on the earth was his granddaughter, Hannah and he loved her with all that he had. John was a true servant of God. He served as a youth pastor, a teacher, a mentor and although had only one daughter, he was a father to many. John was a true testimony of Christ love to everyone he met. He expected no pay or glory for his investment into the lives of others. Yet he left this earth as one of the richest men one could ever know. Pallbearers will be Chris Bryant, Wesley Coleman, Mason Coker, Jarrett Fix, Bradley McFarlin and Marc McVay. Visitation will be held Thursday, September 8, 2016 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Cedar Crest Baptist Church.Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.comKilpatrick Funeral HomeWest Monroe, LA