Roland Eugene McKinsey, 90, died Wednesday, March 5, 2014, at the Life Care Center of Elkhorn.
He was born in Richardson County on June 7, 1923, the son of Wilson and Hazel (Goolsby) McKinsey. He grew up on a farm near Verdon and attended Verdon Public Schools, graduating in 1941. As a young boy, Roland enjoyed hunting and high school basketball, lettering twice, but most of his spare time was spent helping on the farm. After high school, he ventured to Wyoming where he worked on a ranch until he went into the Navy in 1944. Roland served his country on the Southerland until discharged in 1946.
He married Dorothy Goolsby on May 29, 1947, in Humboldt. They lived in Verdon for a short time before moving to Omaha. After retirement, they wintered in Arizona.
Roland worked for the railroad, Farmers’ Coop, Eaton Metal, in insurance sales and a local hardware store before owning and operating a Phillips 66 gas station. Eventually, Roland became a supervisor for Swanson/Cornhusker Petroleum, the company gas distributor. Roland was active in both the American Legion and Mizpah Masonic Lodge, where he served as Master in 1976.
Survivors include daughter, Judy (Bernie) Andrews, Waterloo; six grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; sister, Betty Spitzer, Pawnee City; three brothers, Dean and Bill, of Verdon, and Charles, of Missouri.
Preceding Roland in death were his parents, William and Hazel, his wife, Dorothy, and siblings, Raymond, George and Mary Carson.
Visitation will be held Monday, March 10, followed by the funeral at the Reichmuth Funeral Home, Elkhorn. A graveside service will be held Monday afternoon at the Verdon Cemetery. Military honors were conducted by American Legion Post 374. Memorials are suggested to the Wounded Warriors Project. Condolences may be sent to www.reichmuthfuneralhomes.com
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