William Dent McKinney SR.

William “Bill” D. McKinney, Sr. son of the late Dent and Jessie McKinney and brother of John D. McKinney who proceeded him in death, Bill passed away at home on July 6th, 2014 at the age of 89 years, 7 Months, 21 Days. Bill was born in Belleview, MO on November 15, 1924. On August 19, 1949 he married Jeanette Moore who preceded him in death after sixty-two years of marriage. Bill was a lifelong resident of Belleview where he managed the family century farm. Early in his career, farming consisted of raising crops. However, over time he converted his operation from crops to raising and back-grounding cattle. Some of his greatest pleasures as a farmer were improving the quality and conserving the land which he understood his role to be a good steward, improving the quality of his livestock, and mentoring younger men. Bill was very devoted to his family, especially loved children, and was very interested in his community. He was one of many who volunteered their services in the construction of the Belleview United Methodist Church in 1951. He also served many years as one of the trustees for the church. Bill was involved as a school board member in the reorganization of multiple local one room schools to establish the current Belleview R-III School District. Constructed in 1958. Bill was well known by the architect, contractors, and laborers as he devoted time to be on the construction site daily. He then continued to serve many years as school board president. Emphasizing his interest in land conversation, he was elected by his peers as a board member of the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service (ASCS) for over thirty-five years. In recent years he was pleased to have received a distinguished services award from the Iron County Democratic Committee. Bill is survived by son, Wm. D. McKinney, Jr and daughter-in-law Paula of Belleview, MO, one granddaughter Emily (Brian) Parker of Arcadia, MO, and one grandson Bryan (Alison) McKinney of Rock Tavern, New York. He has four great-grandchildren: Nadia Parker, Benjamin Parker, Katie McKinney, and Thomas McKinney. Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 11 at 10 am from Belleview United Methodist Church with Rev. Bob Bullock officiating. Visitation will begin Thursday from 5 to 8 pm. From the Cole family Chapel Interment will be in the Arcadia Valley Memorial Park. Online condolences may be made at www.colefamilyfuneralhomes.com

William Dent McKinney SR.

November 15, 1924 - July 6, 2014