William Wallace McKinsey, one of eight children of G.W. and Hazel (Goolsby) McKinsey, was born December 12, 1935, on the family farm near Verdon. Bill, as he was known to family and friends, attended grade school at Cupola rural school. He graduated from Verdon High School in 1953. As a boy, Bill was baptized at the Christian Church in Verdon. In his later years, he had been attending Prairie Union Baptist Church near Shubert.
In August of 1958, Bill joined the United States Army. He served two years at Fort Lewis, WA, and in 1960 transferred to the United States Army Reserve. In July of 1964, Bill was honorably discharged from his service.
For a majority of his working years, Bill farmed north of Verdon. He also worked in security for several years at Peru State College and drove a mail truck for David Ebel, going to Lincoln and back. In his spare time, Bill loved to do crossword puzzles and was quite good at them.
After a set back with his health, Bill was admitted to the Good Samaritan Society in Auburn. It was there that he passed away on Monday, August 27, 2018.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Roland, Raymond, George; sister Mary Carson; and nephew Kevin Spitser.
Bill is survived by his sister Betty Spitser of Pawnee City; brothers Dean of Verdon, Charles of Ozark, MO; sister-in-law Marilyn McKinsey of Verdon; special friends Les and Ree Stonebarger of Auburn, Clinton Stonebarger of Auburn; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
A funeral service was held Friday, August 31, 2018, at Hemmingsen Funeral Home in Auburn, officiated by Rev. Jim Miller and Rev. Dan Farley. Burial followed in Verdon Cemetery at Verdon, with graveside military honors provided by American Legion Posts of Humboldt, Table Rock, and Pawnee City.
Services were entrusted to Hemmingsen Funeral Home of Auburn.
