Cayden Jay McKinney

     Cayden Jay McKinney, age 15, of Marion, passed away Sunday, March 29, 2026, at Mission McDowell Hospital.

     Cayden was born in Asheville, NC, on August 5, 2010, to Kearstan Frady. He was a 10th grade student at McDowell High School and was known for his great sense of humor. He enjoyed playing his PS5 and loved being outdoors. He loved fishing, swimming, riding his bike, skateboarding, riding go-carts and 4-wheelers. Cayden was an innocent soul who touched the hearts of many people. He will always be remembered for his beautiful smile and his enjoyment of life’s simple treasures.

     Cayden was preceded in death by his maternal great grandmother, Coleen Davis; and a great aunt, Joann Mahan.

     Those left to cherish his memory include his mother, Kearstan Frady (Calvin); maternal grandparents, Michelle Frady & Louis McKinney; maternal great grandparents, Fred & Mae Frady; a great uncle, Freddie Frady; an uncle, Michael Whitson (Katie); an aunt, Kelsey Whitson (Riley); a special cousin, Lachlan Ramsey; and Cayden’s girlfriend, Abby.

     A funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m., Friday, April 3, 2026, at Beam Celebration Center. Burial will follow at Murphy’s Chapel Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m., prior to the service, at the Celebration Center.