Arthur Jean McKinney

Born January 27, 1928, He was the son of Claude & Goldie McKinney and passed away on March 3, 2017 in Tyler. Jean grew up in Oklahoma, Washington State and Texas.

He was a loved one, a friend, and someone special, to family and friends who knew him best. Jean will be remembered as a very exceptional person.

Jean had one brother and two sisters; Alden, Hazel June, deceased and one sister died at birth.

As a young boy, Jean had a number of interests. He was an active child who took part in basketball. In his spare time he liked music. His memorable achievements included playing the trumpet in high school. He graduated from Toppinish High in Washington in 1947. His favorite class in high school was band.

Jean was blessed with six children, daughters: Patti Fisher, Paula Darden, Jacque Amador, Jill Mallory, sons: Mark McKinney and Matthew McKinney(deceased) Another blessing for Arthur was the gift of eight grandchildren, Sean & Daniel Fisher, Sarah Lewellen, Jessica Taylor, Isaac Amador, Naomi Amador, Tighe Brown (deceased) & Abby McKinney and eleven great-grandchildren.

His primary occupation was a radio announcer and communications engineer. He was employed by and built several radio broadcasting stations in Texas, New Mexico, Kansas, Arizona and Louisiana.

Jean was in the U S Navy. He was on the USS Askari, serving in the Korean War. He achieved the rank of Radioman class A. He received several awards recognizing him for his service, including a National Defense Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal and China Service Medal.

His favorite pursuits were Hamm Radio, and computer related, still intrigued by new technology, digital cameras & smart phones.

He was raised Assembly of God Churches and he loved the Lord.

Favorite vacations included Red River, Taos and Carlsbad, New Mexico.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to one’s favorite charity.