Don McKinney, a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, brother, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, in St. Peters, Missouri. Born on March 1, 1954, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he lived a life defined by kindness, strength, and deep commitment to those he loved.
A graduate of the University of Missouri-St. Louis, where he majored in Psychology with a minor in Photography, Don combined intellectual curiosity with a gentle spirit. Soft-spoken and stoic, he balanced quiet strength with profound patience and kindness. A man of strong convictions, he loved deeply and gave of himself wholeheartedly and selflessly to family and friends.
Don dedicated nearly four decades to McDonnell Douglas and remained with the company through its transition to Boeing, retiring after a long and faithful career. Yet he took greatest pride in his children, who were the center of his world. He found joy in sharing his knowledge and skills, patiently teaching others the pleasures of cycling, photography, hiking, and other pursuits that had enriched his own life.
He and his beloved wife, Kelly McKinney, shared a deep love of travel and nature, creating cherished memories together in the landscapes of Italy, the Colorado Rockies, and the American Southwest. Don’s enthusiasm for music, the outdoors, and his spirited support of Manchester United revealed the warmth and joy that complemented his steady presence. Family was his greatest treasure.
He is survived by his wife, Kelly; children Lauren McKinney Anderson, Andrew McKinney, and Scott McKinney; step-son Jeremy (Mindi) Patty; sister Carol McKinney; grandchildren Audrey Anderson, Addisyn (Brayden) Brown, Alivia Patty, and L.J. Patty; great-grandchildren Brooks Brown and Eloise Brown; and his loyal service dog, Rook, who remained faithfully by his side for six years. His parents, Melvin and Norma McKinney, preceded him in death.
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