We were saddened to learn of the passing of Trustee and later Honorary Trustee, John McStay. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. John combined outstanding business acumen with a deeply lived faith. McStay was a leader at Highland Park Presbyterian Church. And it was his faith that called him to give back to his community in any way he could.
John McStay: Guided By Faith
John co-founded the Morning Star Family Foundation to change the lives of the underserved in Dallas County. As an engaged mentor to other community leaders, John McStay also helped form the Faith Based Forum, a collection of 35 faith-based organizations meeting twice a year to address areas of concern within our community.
He inspired us to be the best we could be and to build a strong compass around which to center our decision-making.
Kathleen Gibson, Past President & CEO of Southwestern Medical Foundation
His philanthropic endeavors did not stop there. McStay also established a scholarship at Vernon High School in honor of his parents. This was a way for him to give back to his hometown of Vernon, Texas, and support young students seeking higher education. In 2005, John McStay brought his expertise in finance and philanthropy to Southwestern Medical Foundation when he began his service on our Board of Trustees. He served on the Foundation’s Investment Committee, helping oversee the endowment’s success, which in many ways helps sustain medical progress throughout our region. John and Ellen McStay established a generous fund at Southwestern Medical Foundation, supporting many students through scholarships over many years.
“John and Ellen are tremendous people and examples to all of us at Southwestern Medical Foundation. He inspired us to be the best we could be and to build a strong compass around which to center our decision-making. I am sure that I am not the only person who will remember and be grateful for John’s friendship and wise guidance for the rest of my life,” said Kathleen M. Gibson, Southwestern Medical Foundation.
John is survived by his wife, Ellen, and his beloved children, Dee and her husband, Billy Howell; his son, Judge, and his wife, Kerry, who was loved as a daughter. He is also survived by his four cherished grandchildren: Cole Devlin, Macey Devlin, Dutch McStay, and Cash McStay.
Make a Memorial Gift
For those wishing to send tributes honoring the life of John McStay, please click the link below to go to Southwestern Medical Foundation’s memorial gift page.
Make A GiftClick here to read John McStay’s full obituary from The Dallas Morning News.
