Donald Gene McKinney

Donald Gene McKinney of Bryant, Ark., departed this life on April 26, 2013 at the age of 86. Don was born on March 15, 1927 son of Sam and Mary Gage McKinney, near Berryville, Ark. Don was 12th of 13 children and was preceded in death by five brothers and six sisters. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War and was disabled during testing of the hydrogen bomb in the Bikini Islands. After retiring from the Veterans Administration in 1985, his most enjoyable times were spent on the "mini-farm" in Mayflower, Ark. where he raised cattle and gardened. He is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Ima Pauline McKinney; four children, Donald Joe "Sonny" McKinney (Jacquie), Mary Jean Head (Jonathan), Melinda Sue McKinney and Joslyn Burleson (Warren) and his last remaining sibling, Fannie Pearl "Pat" Kus. He leaves behind 10 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held at Dial and Dudley Funeral Home, 4212 Hwy 5 North, Bryant, Ark. 72022 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, April 29, and graveside service on Tuesday at 2 p.m. at Moore Cemetery, 7 miles south of Berryville on Hwy 21. To sign online guest book visit www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes that you donate to your favorite charity.