Obituary of Walter John "Doc" McKinney

“Doc” McKinney, age 88, Harrodsburg, husband of Joyce Foster McKinney, died Thursday, October 30, 2008 at his home in Harrodsburg, KY. Born November 16, 1919 in Corning, NY, he was the son of the late William Patrick and Mary (Reams) McKinney. He is survived by: his wife of 62 years: Joyce Foster McKinney; four daughters: Mary Beth (Jimmy) Lyons, Carol Anne (Rod) Sell, Kevinie (Mike) Click and Kathleen (Larry) Fletcher; Eight Grandchildren; Eight Step Grandchildren; Six Great Grandchildren; Eight Step Great Grandchildren; Doc was predeceased by a son: Three Brothers: James, William & Harold McKinney and Two Sisters: Julia McKinney Tetor and Catherine McKinney Tetor. He attended school at St Mary’s The Corning Free Academy and Elmira Business Institute. In 1940 he was employed by Corning Glass Works taking leave in 1942 to join the Navy and serve his country as a Chief Petty officer on a PT boat in the Pacific. After the war, he resumed his job with Corning Glass Works and moved to Harrodsburg in 1952 to help start the optical plant. He received many honors during his career with Corning Glass Works, including being named senior Associate in 1973; the highest honor bestowed by Corning on any of its personnel. He retired in 1978 as Supervisor of the Forming Department. An active member of this community where he was a member of the Jaycees, VFW, Optimist Club and was a Little League coach. He was named a Pioneer of Harrodsburg and a Kentucky Colonel. A devoted Catholic and active member of St. Andrew Catholic Church where he served as a Minister of Hospitality for over 55 years. Doc also served several terms on the Parish Council, Finance Council, the Diocesan appeal, Building Committees and was nominated for the Bishop’s Recognition award in 2002. He spent his retirement on his farm where he raised a small herd of cattle and a garden. He enjoyed making daily visits to the sick, elderly and lonely. Pallbearers are his Grandsons: John Lyons, David Coleman Jr., Shawn Click, Michael Click, Devin Reul and Derek Reul. Honorary Bearers are: Charles Haven, Bob Schuster, Dr. Bacon R. Moore, George Rogers, Dick Dartt and Bob Glancy. Visitation will be Sunday, November 2 from 3-8 PM and Monday 9-11 AM at St. Andrew Catholic Church. Funeral services will be 11 AM, Monday, November 3 at the St. Andrew Catholic Church by Father Danny Schwendeman, Father Joseph Muench and Richard Abbey. Burial will be in the St. Nicholas Cemetery, in Rose Hill. The Ransdell Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Memorial contributions may be sent to St. Andrew Catholic Church Building Fund or Heritage Hospice.