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IN LOVING MEMORY OF

John Mckinney,

John Mckinney, Sr. Profile Photo

Sr.

October 16, 1957 – April 17, 2023

Obituary

It is with a great sense of profound loss that we announce the passing of our hero, John Michael McKinney Sr. "Dr. Flue" was greatly loved, cherished and respected by his family, friends and community.
John McKinney, age 65, passed away on April 17th, 2023, surrounded by his closest family. He died from an aggressive cancer but was able have the freedom of being in his home until the last week of his life.
John, born on October 16th, 1957, grew up in St. Louis where he and his brother Joe learned to ride bikes, fought bullies, climbed buildings and attended private Catholic school. It was during this time that John developed his adventurous and courageous spirit that would serve him well throughout his life. John was a hard worker and a "Jack of All Trades" from an early age. In St. Louis, he worked as a Merchant Marine on barges on the sometimes-treacherous Mighty Mississippi River. After which he was a taxi driver for 6 years before moving to Springfield where he worked as a painter, carpenter and chimney sweep. He was driven and determined and after having the opportunity to work as a chimney sweep apprentice, he started his own company, Dr. Flue's Chimney Service PhD (Professional, Honest, Dependable) which reflected his character. "Have work you love, and you'll never work a day in your life" described his relationship with his job. He came home every day full of soot and sweat but his smile reminded everyone he was satisfied and enjoyed the daring challenge. John loved his clients and his personable and humorous rapport made everyone he met feel at ease.
John was adventurous. For his 50th birthday his children bought him a skydiving experience and he loved it! He was an outdoorsman and despite his busy schedule he would always answer the 3am call from the woods for dove, turkey and deer season. He loved taking his grandkids hunting with him.  He was an avid fisherman, and his children attended a tournament in his honor after his passing.
John was devoted to his family attending hockey games, graduations, weddings, school concerts, you name it. John had a huge heart and welcomed everyone who came into his family.
He is preceded in death by his father, Lester McKinney and his granddaughter, Brittany Nesser.
He is survived by his family to whom he filled many roles.
A devoted husband to Spring McKinney, marriage of 11 years.
A loving son to Mary McKinney.
A loyal brother to Joe McKinney.
A beloved father to John McKinney Jr. and Meghan Ramey.
A fun uncle to Kyle McKinney, Leah Wilken and Hal McKinney.
A doting grandfather to Hailey McKinney, Meghan McKinney, Trenton Hubbard, and Dominique Tennison.
A proud great grandfather to Noah McKinney and great uncle to Knox Wilken.
He is remembered with love by his bonus children, Joe Sneed, Merry Stevenson, Hannah Leclair and Charley Yeager; and grandchildren, Alexis Leclair, Lydia Leclair, Carter Leclair, Eleanor Leclair and Oliver Stevenson.
He will also be remembered fondly by his first wife and mother of Meghan and John Jr., Mary Lee Beffa.
Against the odds John overcame many of life's obstacles. He spent the last 25 years of his life recovered from substance abuse and used the tools he learned in recovery every day. He met every day with courage. John trusted in God's grace and has now entered into God's rest.
We will be celebrating the life of John McKinney on Saturday, May 13, 2023, beginning with Blue Grass music at the Gazebo starting at 1:15 followed by the burial at 2:00 pm at Maple Park Cemetery 300 W Grand St Springfield, MO 65807. The Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 pm followed by a time of fellowship and refreshments at Asbury Methodist Church 1500 S Campbell Springfield, MO 65807.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of John Mckinney, Sr., please visit our flower store.

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