Tommy Walter McKinney, 72, was welcomed by heaven on October 22, 2022. He was
greeted by his parents and multiple friends and family members in the presence of his Heavenly
Father.
Tom struggled through the devastating attacks of Alzheimer’s disease for over eight years with dignity and a battle plan that included smiles and laughter at times when all such expressions were not expected. The disease eventually won at Featherstone Assisted Living in Durant, Okla., surrounded by family members, caretakers and Guardian Hospice workers who cared for him during his journey.
Tom grew up in Tillman country, Oklahoma. He was born in Vernon, Texas to Oliver Bernice
McKinney and Willda Leen McKinney February 15, 1950. The brown eyed little boy learned to
love family and friends. He attended Davidson Public School and graduated in May 1968. He
married his high school sweetheart, Jan McKinney, June 6, 1969. They attended Southwestern
Oklahoma University in Weatherford, Okla., and graduated in May 1972. Tom taught in
Frederick Public Schools, farmed, worked construction, built a log home for his family, was
principal at Southside Public School in Elmer Okla., and superintendent at Reydon Public
Schools. In 1995, he and his family moved to Bryan Country as he earned his Master of
Education Degree. And took the position of Regional Accreditation Officer for Southeastern
Oklahoma until his retirement in February 2011.
Tom is survived by his wife, Jan, of the home; daughters, Brandee Jones and husband Paul of
Durant, Okla., Dustee Russell and husband Jamie of Pottsboro, Texas, and Tangee Lee and
husband Chris, of Enid Okla. Tom had great pride and love in these daughters, three
granddaughters and three grandsons. He is also survived by one sister, Jerri Sparks of Mead,
Okla., and his brother Dennis McKinney of Oklahoma City, Okla.
Tom’s ability to fix almost anything, his quick wit, and desire to help has been missed during his
decline, but we all have his experiences with us to remember a life well lived.
Graveside rights will be at the Davidson Cemetery at 2 p.m. on November 5, 2022, in Davidson, Okla.
Arrangements under the direction of American Funeral Home.
