Nathaniel "Nat" McKenney

Nathaniel was born in West Branch, Michigan, and graduated from West Branch Public High School in 1956. He continued his education in the field of Art, attending Michigan State University and Ferris State University, nurturing a creative spirit that remained with him throughout his life.

From 1960 to 1963, Nathaniel served in the United States Army in Germany, where he was part of the Survey Intelligence Center Office in the division headquarters. Following his military service, he built a long and dependable career in retail management—first managing A&P Grocery Stores, and later managing departments at K-Mart until his retirement in 2011.

A lifelong artist, Nathaniel created many painted art pieces, expressing through his work a lasting appreciation for beauty and detail. In retirement, he found contentment in cabin living alongside his cat, Kew, and his best friend of 50 years, Rick. He enjoyed reading, bird watching, feeding the chipmunks, observing the wildlife that passed through his yard, and visiting with his wonderful, friendly neighbors. A devoted sports fan, he took particular pleasure in watching Michigan State football and basketball, the Colorado Rockies, the Detroit Tigers, and he was an avid Denver Broncos fan.

Nathaniel was a lifetime member of the Episcopal Church. The family extends special thanks to the members of St. Luke Episcopal Church for their thoughts, prayers, and support during his illness, and to his hospice nurse, Joan, with Sangre De Cristo Community Care, for her compassionate care.

Nathaniel was preceded in death by his parents, William and June McKenney; and his siblings, Maryellen McKenney, Virginia Heisler, Carol Ann Sting, William McKenney, Carl McKenney, Richard McKenney, Hugh McKenney, and Wesley McKenney.

He is survived by his daughter, Cathy (Ed) Albin; his grandchildren, Nicole and Brad; his son, Troy McKenney; his sister-in-law, Ginny McKenney; his close nephew, Rick; and his best friend of 50 years, Rick Lemmer.