BUCKLIN - Orvin Kenneth McCarty, 90 died Monday, May 18, 2020 at Hill Top House in Bucklin, Kansas.

He was born near Drasco, Arkansas to Troy and Bessie (DeFoor) McCarty. Kenneth grew up in the Ozark Mountains amidst the great depression.

His desire for a better life and his work ethic brought him to Kansas in 1947 at the age of 17 and soon met Marion Austin who he married in 1952. They remained together through 68 years of marriage.

After doing farm work for Charles and Nell Cummings and a stint in the United States Army, he returned to Bucklin. He continued to do farm work and was Bucklin High school janitor for 7 years. In 1962 the family moved to a farm northwest of Kingsdown, eventually purchasing the farm in 1971. The McCarty's expanded the farm over the years, including the development of center pivot systems. Kenneth took great pride in being a steward of the land and enjoyed watching yields steadily improve as farming practices evolved over the course of his lifetime. He had many once in a lifetime wheat harvests. Like many of his neighbors Kenneth back grounded cattle for many years.

Kenneth and Marion moved to the Cummings farmstead in 1995. They remodeled the home and preserved the historic barn. The picturesque farmstead was further enhanced by manicured landscaping. He took great pride in the appearance of the farmstead and was fortunately able to enjoy it for many years. Kenneth always had a smile for friends and neighbors. He loved his family and traveled often to Arkansas and Colorado before age began to take it's toll. One of the highlights of Kenneth and Marion's life was their 50th anniversary trip with a bus load of family and friends to Branson Missouri. While Kenneth's deteriorating health made socializing more difficult in the recent years, he continued to take great pride in his family. His family will always be grateful for his love and the work ethic he instilled.

Kenneth was a member of the Bucklin School Board and a trustee for the Presbyterian Church of Kingsdown. He and Marion also won a soil conservation award.

He is survived by Marion, his devoted wife; three sons, Melvin McCarty and wife Sheila of Wright, Kansas; Kevin McCarty and wife Dina of Berthoud, Colorado and Terry McCarty of Kingsdown; 5 grandchildren, Kylee Weber and husband Erik of McPherson, Kansas, Eric McCarty and wife Jenna of Windsor, Colorado, Kacie McCarty of Bucklin, Michelle Firestone of Loveland, Colorado and Danielle Dulin and husband Mike of Warrensburg, Missouri; 6 great grandchildren, Dylan McCarty, Kyle Weber and Ethan Weber of McPherson, Kansas, Isaiah Coats and Henessy Moore of Loveland, Colorado and Callen McCarty of Windsor, Colorado; brother- in-law, Kenneth Austin and wife Connie, Dodge City, sisters-in-law, Shirley Austin of Fowler, Kansas and Patsy Austin of Bucklin; brother, BW and wife Marlene of Drasco, Arkansas and sister-in-law, Jane McCarty of Hartford Michigan. He had many nieces and nephews, remaining particularly close with Louie Wells and wife Betty of Hope, Arkansas and Denise Hankins and husband Dave of Hartford, Michigan.

He was preceded in death by his parents, infant son, Allen Kenneth McCarty, brother, Euield, sister, Lona Mae Wells and her husband Leonard, brother, Ervin and his wife Mabel, daughter-in-law, Bonnie McCarty, wife of Terry McCarty, brothers-in-law, George Austin, Wayne Austin, Roy Austin and Keith Austin and sisters-in-law, Audrey Richardson, Joann Austin and Judy Austin.

Private family graveside will be held Friday, May 22, 2020 at the Bucklin Cemetery with Kevin Salzman officiating and military honors by Julius F. Troehmel American Legion Post 269.  There will be no public viewing.  A memorial service will be held in May of 2021.

The family suggests memorials to Hill Top House in care of Minnis Mortuary, P.O. Box 516, Bucklin, Kansas 67834.