Dwight Mckay

Dwight L. McKay, 88, a long-time resident of Bartlesville, Oklahoma died Friday, December 28, 2012 at his home. He was surrounded by his loving family. Dwight Lamar McKay was born December 14, 1924 in Ashland, Alabama the son of Charles W. and Bessie (Birchfield) McKay. Dwight grew up and received his education in Clay County, Alabama where he was Valedictorian of Clay County High School's senior class of 1941. Dwight furthered his education at the University of Alabama before taking assignment with the U.S. Navy Reserve from 1944-1946. Following his release from active duty, Dwight returned to the University of Alabama where he completed his Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering in 1947. One year later he attained a Master's in Chemical Engineering from the University of Louisville. Dwight secured employment with Phillips Petroleum Company in 1948 and remained with the company until his retirement in 1985. During this time, he received numerous awards and honors including: Distinguished Inventor of Phillips Petroleum Company and Distinguished Corporate Inventor, American Society of Patent Holders. He also held 99 United States Patents, primarily in the areas of crystallization and metals passivation; several of his patents were also filed world-wide. In addition, Dwight published numerous professional journal articles and was a guest lecturer at Universities around the world. Following his official retirement, Dwight was a consultant in Petroleum Refining and Chemicals with NIPER and Phillips Petroleum Company from 1985-2000. Dwight was a member of various organizations including: Professional Engineers License, State of Oklahoma since 1957, American Chemical Society, American Institute of Chemical Engineers, Phillips 66 Splash Club Board of Directors, active Splash Club parent for 15 years and a member of the East Cross United Methodist Church. He was passionate about his research and family, and loved to garden and talk with friends. Dwight was a good judge of character and encouraged all with whom he worked to do their best, helping them along the way. Dwight leaves to honor his memory: his beloved wife of 62 years, Alberta (Renfro) McKay; children: daughter, Cheryl McKay-Dorrell and husband Charles; son, Mark McKay and wife Denise; daughter Janice Freet and husband, Tom; grandchildren: Joshua McKay, Jonathan McKay, Allison Freet, Laura Freet and Tommy Freet; sister, Margaret Walker of Ashland, Alabama along with a host of other relatives and dear friends. The family wishes to thank the staff at Bayada Home Health for their loving care.

Visitation Details

Sunday, December 30th, 2012 1:00pm - 8:00pm, Arnold Moore & Neekamp Funeral Home

Service Details

Monday, December 31st, 2012 10:00am, East Cross United Methodist Church

Interment Details

Big Cabin Cemetery