John Samuel McKinney of Shiloh, IL, passed away at Jefferson Barracks Veterans Hospital in St. Louis, MO, on his 81st birthday, January 5, 2025. John will be remembered as a loving son, husband, father, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and dear friend. He was deeply devoted to his family and cherished each member. He considered his family the source of his most incredible pride.
John was born in Chicago, IL, on January 5, 1944. John graduated from Wendell Phillips High School and enlisted in the United States Army, serving two years as a Military Police officer and a tour in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged in June of 1967.
In 1971, John began working at Mercy Hospital in Chicago, where he met the love of his life, Phyllis Pate. The two married on March 22, 1975, and were blessed to welcome two children. John began employment with the United States Postal Service in 1983, where he worked for 25 years as an Engineering Specialist. After retirement from the U.S. Postal Service John enjoyed traveling, spending time with family and doing what he loved.
John loved music and was known to “cut a rug” as an excellent dancer. He collected vinyl records and other music recordings from his favorite artists and musicians. Relaxation for John was being alone in his music room playing his favorite songs. He also enjoyed seeing live jazz bands and blues performances.
John leaves to cherish his memory and celebrate his life, love, and legacy, his loving mother, Frances McKinney Rucker; devoted wife Phyllis McKinney; dear children Brianne LeRoy (Dorian) and Johanna McKinney; grandchildren Desiree, Maxwell and Samantha and great-grand daughter Rayna; sisters Marilyn Evans, Portia Shaw, Deirdre Evans-Keller (Brandon), Pamela Evans, Gloria Mitchell, JoAnn Keen, Tracy Rucker-Boykin; a host of extended family; and many wonderful friends.
Online condolences may be shared at www.wfh-ofallon.com. Wolfersberger Funeral Home, O’Fallon, IL, is serving the McKinney family.
A memorial gathering and celebration of John’s life will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at Maggiano’s Little Italy, 240 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, IL 60523. Kindly confirm your attendance with the family by March 15, 2025 using the following link:
https://evite.me/VFA5r9vGTT
