Kenneth Eugene McKinney

Kenneth Eugene McKinney June 14, 1930 - November 30, 2007 Kenneth Eugene McKinney, "Geno" as his friends knew him, passed away at his home in Livingston, Tenn. on Nov. 30, 2007 at the age of 77. On June 14, 1930, Geno was born in southern Jennings County during the Great Depression to proud parents James and Lula McKinney. He married Rose Ellen McKinney and she passed away on June 6, 1991. Kenneth then married Dixie Smith and she survives in Livingston, Tenn. After graduating from Dupont High School in 1947, Geno served in the U.S. Army and fought for his country in the Korean War. While serving, he was wounded in combat and received the prestigious Purple Heart award. Geno and his family took up residence in Columbus, in 1971. He had an uncharacteristic work ethic, he proudly worked hard to provide for and raise his family. Always having a positive attitude and passion for life, Geno had many hobbies including fishing, the great outdoors and auto racing, especially "grassroots" dirt track racing. A born "salesman", Geno never met a stranger. He was honest and giving, making many friendships from all walks of life. After Rose, his wife, passed away in 1991, Geno retired and moved to Livingston, Tenn., to spend some well deserved time relaxing and fishing. After moving there, he found many new friends, and a new companion, Dixie Smith, whom he then married. Even during his difficult struggle with cancer, Geno never lost his caring and positive attitude towards life. He held his outlook throughout, beating it once, only to have it return several years later. Even then, he persevered and was determined he would continue the battle, putting his faith in the Lord. Survivors include his wife, Dixie Smith McKinney, of Livingston, Tenn.; sons, Mark McKinney, Gary (Kay) McKinney and Brian McKinney, all of Columbus, Ind.; daughters, Kathi (Chuck) Parkins of Maryville, Tenn. and Linda (Kerry) Thompson of Citrus Springs, Fla.; 13 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; stepchildren, Lisa Sherrill of Shirley, Ind. and Matt Sherrill of Livingston, Tenn.; and a brother, Virgil McKinney of Scottsburg, Ind. Geno was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife, Rose Ellen McKinney, who passed away on June 6, 1991. Funeral Information FUNERAL: Will be conducted Monday, Dec. 3, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home, with the Rev. Virgil Clotfelter officiating. VISITATION: Will be Sunday December 2, 2007 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. and from 9:00 a.m. until service time on Monday. BURIAL: Will be at Garland Brook Cemetery with military rites conducted by the Bartholomew County Veterans Color Guard. Donations Information Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society. DirectionsVisitation: Map to Funeral Home

Kenneth Eugene McKinney

June 14, 1930 - December 2, 2007