Eugene L. Mckinney

Eugene L. "Gene" McKinney, 90, of Topeka, passed away on June 23, 2018 at Aldersgate Village.

Eugene Lowell "Gene" McKinney, son of George J. and Margaret Campbell McKinney, was born on August 17, 1927 in Fort Madison, Iowa.

Gene lived almost his entire life in the College Hill neighborhood of Topeka, Kansas and graduated from Topeka High School.

He entered the Navy during World War II in 1945, at the age of 17, and remained in the Naval Reserves through the early 1950's.

Gene enjoyed his work at WIBW TV as chief photographer and film director from 1953 until his retirement in 1991.

He was a lifelong member of Grace Episcopal Cathedral and loved singing as a member of the paid boys' choir in the 1930's.

Gene married Leone Ruth Schumacher on September 3, 1948. They were married for 67 years and raised a loving family together. They loved camping and traveling around the United States with each other, and with other family members that often joined them on their adventures.

He is survived by two children, Ruth Jaynes of Omaha, Nebraska, and David McKinney (Helen) of Weston, Missouri; two granddaughters, Sunny Jaynes of Portland, Oregon, and Christine Jaynes of Omaha, Nebraska; and great-granddaughter, Aranza Contreras Jaynes.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Leone; a son, James L. McKinney; three brothers, Robert, Donald, and Richard; granddaughter, Heather Jaynes; and son-in-law, Larry Jaynes.

Gene's incredible sweetness and his habit of always whistling a happy tune will be remembered and celebrated by all who knew and loved him.

Services will be held at Grace Episcopal Cathedral at 10:30am on Friday, June 29. Burial will follow in Mount Hope Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to Capper Foundation-Easter Seals or Grace Episcopal Cathedral, both of Topeka.

Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel is assisting with arrangements.

To leave a special message for Gene's family please visit the guestbook below.