Born on November 9, 1925, in Sumner, Mississippi, Don was the son of Donald Logan and Claudie May (Wright) McKinney. He attended Albion High School in Illinois and demonstrated a strong work ethic and sense of service from an early age. At just 16 years old, he attended a military summer camp and drove a dump truck helping build the Alcan Highway.
Don proudly served his country during two conflicts. He enlisted in the United States Army and served with the 101st Airborne Division during World War II, seeing combat in the Alsace-Lorraine and Rhine River campaigns and participating in the capture of the Kehlsteinhaus (Eagle's Nest) near Berchtesgaden, Germany. He later served in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict as a Security Staff Sergeant with the 434th Troop Carrier Wing based out of Atterbury.
Don graduated with a bachelor's in education from Eastern Illinois University and was in the founding class of Sigma Phi Fraternity. On October 10, 1954, he married the love of his life, Marilyn Gill. Together they shared a devoted marriage and raised two children, Penny and Thomas.
A dedicated professional, Don worked for Union Insurance Agency for 37 years, including 17 years as a supervisor and manager. Throughout his life, he remained deeply involved in his community and the organizations he cherished. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite, Elks Lodge, Murat Shrine, and the Road Runners for Shrine Hospitals. He served with the Color Guard for both the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. Don was also an official for the Greensburg Tiger Sharks swim team and local flag football programs, a trustee for the YMCA, a longtime Greensburg Pirates fan, and an officer of the Big Blue Boosters. His faith was an important part of his life, serving as both a deacon and trustee at First Christian Church before later becoming a member of First Presbyterian Church.
Don is survived by his son, Tom (Carolyn) McKinney; grandchildren, Jody Coffman, Sharilyn McKinney, Derek (Lindsay) Kramer, Matt (Marquetta) Whalbring, and Mark (Emily) Whalbring; great-grandchildren, Lark Kramer, Wren Kramer, Draven Whalbring, Lucas Whalbring, Ellie Whalbring, and Ian Whalbring; and son-in-law, Mike Dolph.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Marilyn McKinney; and his daughter, Penny Dolph.
A visitation for family and friends will be held at Gilliland-Howe Funeral Home on Tuesday, June 23, from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 1:00 p.m., with Tom McKinney and Margaret Lowe officiating. Burial will follow at South Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Our Hospice of Decatur County. Don's family invites friends and loved ones to share online condolences at www.gilliland-howe.com
Don will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his family, his country, his faith, and his community. His century of life was marked by service, leadership, generosity, and a genuine love for those around him. His legacy will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know him.
