Clinton Arthur McKinney

Clinton Arthur McKinney, 81, of Knightsville, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, July 10, 2013.

He was born in Marion County Jan. 9, 1932, the son of Arthur and Jessie (Watson) McKinney.

He and his family moved to Poland, Ind., when he was nine years old. There, he worked on the family farm until he turned 18 and gained employment at Allison's General Motors. He worked for GM for about two years before joining the U.S. Army in 1952. He was honorably discharged as a corporal in 1954.

Following his stint in the military he returned to work for General Motors and began an apprenticeship as a sheet metal worker. He received his Journeyman's Card in 1959. Shortly thereafter he changed trades and began training in machine repair, receiving his Journeyman's Card 10 years later. After 38 years of service to Allison's General Motors, he retired in 1988.

On June 14, 1959 he married Lois Strain at Canaan Church in Eastern Clay County.

During his retirement he spent much of his time cleaning and keeping up his family's farm. This experience gave him what he called a "master's in mowing degree."

He had been a member of the American Legion Post 2 and a 50-year member of the Masonic Lodge 541.

From time to time he would attend the Community Missionary Church in Brazil.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Bernard McKinney, on June 25, 2013.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Lois McKinney; four sons, Douglas McKinney and wife Cheryl of Brazil, Steven McKinney and wife Mary of Reelsville, Gregory McKinney and wife Bobbie of Reelsville, and Clint McKinney Jr. and wife Cindy of Brazil; grandchildren Caitlynn Bryan and husband Nick, Matthew McKinney, Marcus McKinney, Curtiss McKinney, Wesley McKinney, Brandon McKinney, Brittnee McKinney, Beau McKinney and Dylan McKinney; stepgrandchildren Justin Thomas (Rebekah), Nic Thomas, and Chelsea Thomas; stepgreat-grandchildren Emily Thomas, Ethan Thomas, Eli Thomas, Elaina Thomas and Addison Thomas; two sisters, Amy Harney and husband Dennis of Plainfield, and Freda Paris of Greencastle, as well as several nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Monday, July 15 at French Funeral Home, Brazil, with Richard Hull officiating.

Burial, with military tribute provided by the members of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the United States Army, will follow at Croy's Creek Cemetery.

Visitation will take place at the funeral home 4-8 p.m. Sunday.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Community Missionary Church.

Visit www.frenchfuneralhome.com to light a candle in his memory.