Ronald Keith McKinney

Ron McKinney was born and raised in Carbondale, Illinois to Delbert and Clara McKinney.
As a young man, he left the country life and moved to Michigan to work for Bethlehem Steel. After 16 years, he left the steel mills and followed in his older brother “KR"s footsteps and became a truck driver. Ron loved the open road and traveling. He saw much of America from New York, Florida, the Midwest, Oregon and San Diego where he met JoAnne, his wife of 29 years. Together they traveled to Australia, Hawaii, Mexico and later, traveled across the country in their motorhome.

But Ron's favorite place of all was home. Ron loved and appreciated some of the simple things in life. His favorite things were being around his grandkids; “KR”; old Western movies; John Wayne; onion rings; Elvis and knowing JoAnne was always close by his side.

Ron had many special talents but his most amazing gift was his way with people. He had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to joke around. He could always make people smile and laugh. He had a generous heart of gold and was always willing to help someone.

Ron leaves behind his devoted wife JoAnne, sons Thomas Blythe of Lakeside, CA; Christopher Blythe of Suffolk, VA; Daniel McKinney and Keith McKinney of Iowa; brothers KR McKinney, Wayne McKinney, Larry McKinney, Roy McKinney of Illinois; 5 grandsons, 1 granddaughter and numerous nieces and nephews.