PLANO, Texas, — Max M. McKinley, 21, of Plano, Texas, passed away unexpectedly at his residence on Jan. 20, just four days shy of his 22nd birthday.
Max was born on Jan. 24, 2004, in Parsons, Kansas, to Gary McKinley and Margo Moore. He spent his early years in Parsons before moving to Overland Park, Kansas, in 2017, where he attended Blue Valley Southwest High School and graduated in 2022.
After high school, Max moved to Plano, Texas, where he worked in several fine-dining restaurants as a server. He had a strong interest in technology and cybersecurity and hoped to pursue further education in the field. Max also aspired to serve in the military, with the goal of becoming a cyber operations specialist.
Max was known from an early age to be very intelligent, curious, and adventurous. Surrounded by adults in early childhood, he was exposed to many ideas and discussions above less typical of other kids his age. He traveled to various countries with his family, appreciating the diversity of cultures. This is exemplified by his openness to individuals who were different from him and new experiences.
Max enjoyed gaming and technology and spent much of his time connecting with others through online communities, particularly on Discord. Through these platforms, he formed meaningful friendships with people around the world, including friends in Sweden, Syria, and Canada, many of whom reached out to express their sorrow at his passing. Throughout his teenage years, friends frequently turned to Max for help with computer and technical issues. He enjoyed helping others and had an easy way of making new friends.
Max is survived by his mother, Margo Moore of Parsons; his father, Gary McKinley, and his wife, Melissa McKinley of Overland Park. Additionally, he is survived by his grandmother, Colleen Moore of Parsons; his grandparents, Mary Jo and Larry Keith of Estero, Florida; his grandmother, Shelley McKinley of Coral Springs, Florida; his stepbrothers, Zachary Perez and his wife Amanda of Olathe, and Jordan Lambkins and his wife Saffa of Plano, Texas; and his stepsister, Jade Lambkins and her husband Burl Brisbane of Kansas City, Kansas. Other survivors include his uncle, Dr. Michael Moore of Manhattan, New York, and his aunts, Dawn Southwick and her husband Paul of Bordentown, New Jersey, and Erica Mueller and her husband Greg of St. Louis, Missouri.
He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Roger Moore of Parsons and Fred McKinley of Estero, Florida, both of whom he loved dearly.
Max will be remembered for his curiosity, kindness, and the connections he made with people both near and far. Though his life was brief, he touched many and will be deeply missed.
The funeral service will be at 2 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 28, at the Carson-Wall Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Memorial Lawn Cemetery.
His mother and the Moore family will receive friends on Tuesday evening from 6-7 p.m. and both of his parents, along with their families, will receive friends from 1 p.m. until service time on Wednesday.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggest memorials to the Labette Center for Mental Health Foundation and checks may be made out to LCMHS Foundation. They may be left at or mailed to the funeral home, P.O. Box 942, Parsons, KS 67357.
