Don McKinney

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, Don lived a life marked 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 his intellectual curiosity with a gentle spirit. His soft-spoken and stoic demeanor was balanced by a profound patience and kindness that touched all who knew him. With strong convictions and an unwavering capacity to love deeply, Don was a man who gave wholeheartedly and selflessly to his family and friends.

Don spent nearly four decades with McDonnell Douglas and remained with the company through its transition to Boeing, where he retired after a long and faithful career. He was even more proud of his children, who were the center of his world. With a passion for sharing knowledge and skills, he delighted in helping others learn new activities, passing on the joys of cycling, photography, hiking, and other pastimes that enriched his own life.

Away from work, Don enjoyed traveling with his beloved wife, Kelly McKinney. Together they explored breathtaking landscapes from the rolling vistas of Italy to the stunning expanses of the Colorado Rockies and the American Southwest. Their shared love for nature and adventure created memories that Kelly treasures deeply, recalling him as the most understanding and caring partner. Don’s love for music, his enthusiasm for spending time outdoors, and his fervent support of Manchester United—especially during spirited matches—revealed layers of warmth and joy in his character.

Family was Don’s greatest pride and treasure. He is deeply missed by Kelly; his children, Lauren McKinney Anderson, Andrew McKinney, and Scott McKinney; step-son Jeremy (Mindi) Patty; his 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 spent six faithful years by his side.

Don’s parents, Melvin and Norma McKinney, preceded him in death, but his legacy lives robustly through the love and memories held by his family and community. His selflessness, generosity, and enduring commitment to those he cared for leave an indelible imprint on all hearts he touched.

A memorial gathering to honor Don’s life will be held on Monday, March 16, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Newcomer Funeral Home in St. Peters, Missouri. Friends and family are invited to celebrate a life well lived and to remember a man whose quiet strength and loving nature enriched every life around him. Additionally, a Celebration of Life will be planned for a future date - please check back for updated service details.

Don McKinney leaves behind a tapestry woven with kindness, patience, and unwavering love—a tapestry that will be treasured forever. His memory will continue to inspire those who were fortunate to know him, and his spirit will forever echo in the hearts of his family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions in Don's memory be made to CHAMP Assistance Dogs.

To share a memory of Don or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below. The family would especially treasure hearing your favorite memories of Don. Those attending the memorial will also be invited to write and share a memory privately.