Kevin McQuality

 

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Paul Kevin McQuality of Goodman, Missouri, passed away suddenly on April 22, 2025, in Joplin, Missouri, at the age of 64.

Kevin was born on November 3, 1960, in Joplin, Missouri, to Paul J. and Barbara (Culkin) McQuality. A lifelong resident of Goodman, he graduated from Neosho High School with the Class of 1979 and went on to earn an associate degree from Crowder College. He furthered his education at MSSU and earned his bachelor’s degree.

Kevin dedicated more than 20 years of service as a manager at Eagle Picher in Joplin. His strong work ethic began early, delivering newspapers for the Joplin Globe as a young boy—a job he returned to in retirement, once again delivering the news to his community with care and consistency.

On November 11, 2011, Kevin married the love of his life, Michele Marie (Velten), in a heartfelt ceremony at Big Spring Park in Neosho, Missouri. A devoted husband and father, Kevin was a single dad for many years and always placed his children above all else. His deep love and commitment to his family never wavered.

Kevin was known as a real-life MacGyver—ingenious and resourceful, he could fix just about anything, especially on his beloved project cars. Michele fondly called him “the smartest man I ever knew.” He enjoyed woodworking, repairing vehicles, flea markets, and thrifting. In his youth, he loved fishing and hay hauling, often entertaining others with stories from those times.

Kevin is survived by his loving wife, Michele; his children: Shannon McQuality of Lampe, Missouri, Michael McQuality of New York, Matthew Palmer of Pierce City, Missouri, and Sara Willbanks of Marionville, Missouri; his brother David McQuality of Goodman, Missouri; nine grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Barbara McQuality, and one grandchild.

Kevin’s legacy of love, wisdom, and resourcefulness lives on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in honor of Kevin’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in care of Clark Funeral Home, P.O. Box 66, Neosho, Missouri.

Visitation will be held on Monday, April 28, 2025 from 1:00-2:00pm at the Clark Funeral Home Chapel of Memories in Neosho, Missouri. The funeral service will also be held at the Chapel of Memories on Monday, April 28, 2025 at 2:00 pm. Internment will be at the Neosho I00F Cemetery in Neosho, Missouri.