David “Dave” Earl McKinney, 62, of Baxter Springs, died at the Ascension Living Via Christi Village in Pittsburg, September 13, 2023, after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Born February 7, 1961 in Litchfield, Illinois, Dave was the son of Earl and Ethel (Lynch) McKinney and grew up in central Illinois. After high school he attended John Wood Community College in Quincy, Illinois.
Dave moved to the Lake of the Ozarks where he was employed by the Missouri State Parks system. He later worked for Edwards Products and then Modine. After completing his Associate’s Degree in Business Management and Marketing from State Fair Community College, he moved to Baxter Springs to begin his career as a Quality Control Auditor with KMT Water Jet Systems.
Dave was passionate about music and was an excellent cook. His French Connection Cookies were a highly anticipated treat during the Christmas season. Dave enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, attending the annual McKinney and Lynch reunions, and the Walnut Valley Festival as often as possible. But most of all, he loved spending time with his grandson, Graham.
Dave was preceded in death by his sister, Jane McKinney and his son, Ryan David McKinney.
Dave is survived by his wife, Mary Jo McKinney of the home; his parents Earl and Ethel McKinney of Taylorville, Illinois; sons Nathan McKinney of Camdenton, Mo. and Samuel (Kaylee) McKinney of Moore, Oklahoma; grandson Graham Ryan McKinney of Moore, Oklahoma, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Funeral services were held Friday, September 22 at Derfelt Funeral Home in Baxter Springs. An inurnment will be held later at Woodside Cemetery near Irving, Illinois.