Donald D. "Dean" McKinney, age 98, of Coal City, IL passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family early Saturday morning, December 14, 2024.

He was born on May 23, 1926 in Swanwick, IL to Joseph and Goldie (nee Malott) McKinney. He served his country honorably in United States Army as a Staff Sergeant during World War II. He lived to be one of the oldest WWII veterans in Grundy County and flew on Honor Flight Chicago in 2013.  Dean married Minnie L. Landrith on August 7, 1952. Together they raised their four children in the Coal City area. Dean became a Coal City Police Officer and helped get the first patrol car. He was the owner and operator of McKinney Excavating, putting in many sewer and water lines in town. A man of many skills, he also owned a tree cutting service. After retirement, Dean worked on small engines and tractors.

He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Minnie; his children, Donald (Colleen) McKinney of Joliet, IL; Debra (Larry) Olson of Diamond; Richard Dean ( Luann) McKinney and Thomas (Lori) McKinney, both of Coal City; twelve grandchildren, Donald (Kim) McKinney, Sarah (Tim) Hammack, Jeremy (Racheal) McKinney, Marcus (Ashley) McKinney, John (Kelly) Olson, Steffanie (Carlos) Rubio, Timothy Olson, Jenna (Nathan) Ingalls, Rachael McKinney and Ranell (Matt) Gigler, Michael(Rebecca) Perino, Nick Peterson; 30 great-grandchildren ; his brother, Bobby McKinney of Central City; two half sisters, Vernice (Ted) Berry and Betty Jo Feliciano and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph McKinney and Goldie Keeler; and his brothers and sister, Jewel McKinney, Lee McKinney and Vera Bushby.

Memorials may be made in Dean's name to Lightways Hospice, 250 Waterstone Circle, Joliet, IL 60431, the VFW St. Juvin Post 1336, PO Box 191, Coal City, IL 60416 or Honor Flight Chicago.

Visitation will be from 3:00 pm until the time of the Funeral Service at 6:00 pm on Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at Ferrari Funeral Services, 1044 Ferrari Drive, Coal City, IL. 60416.

Cremation rites will be accorded following services.

Inurnment will be private at Braceville-Gardner Cemetery.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guestbook at www.ferrarifuneral.com

Ferrari Funeral Services are entrusted with arrangements.