David L. McKinney

David L. McKinney

Age 82, of Dover, passed into the presence of his Lord and Savior on Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022, from declining health following strokes.  He was born Feb. 17, 1939 in Canton, to the late Donald and Mary Alyce (James) McKinney, resided most of his life in East Sparta and more recently in Sandyville and Dover, and spent many winters in Arcadia, Florida.  David was a 1957 graduate of Sandy Valley High School and was employed at Sparta Ceramic for several years and retired in 1995 from Sugardale Provision, after 33 years’ service. He managed the Sandy Valley Park and Pool for 12 years, was active in the East Sparta Civic Association, was a proud member of the NRA and faithful member of East Sparta Christian Church.

 David enjoyed fishing, bowling, playing cards, fixing things, and conversations.  He was quiet-mannered, witty, humble, generous, gentlemanly, considerate, kind, thankful, and yes, stubborn.

 In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Robert McKinney, sister, Linda Eaton, step-father, Bruce Whitmire, step-daughter, Amy Burkhart, and step-son Brett Burkhart.

  David is survived by his devoted wife, Jo Anne McKinney, whom he married August 22, 2006, daughter, Denise (Steve) Milhoan, son, Dennes (Tammi) McKinney, all of East Sparta, five grandchildren, Stephen Milhoan, Matthew (Jenny) Milhoan, Andrew Milhoan, Jessica McKinney, and Derek McKinney, a sister, Ann (Jack) Hood, of Canton, two nieces and a nephew, Victoria Eaton, Sarah Eddy, and Mark (Rachel) Hood, two sisters-in-law, Helen Bailey and Terri Staley, a brother-in-law, Thomas (Joyce) Arehart, and three step-grandchildren, Brandi (Ben) Shankel, Brittany (Kenny) Saunders, and John Burkhart.

 Services will be held Sat., Jan. 8, 2022, at 1 p.m. in East Sparta Christian Church with David’s life-long friend, Victor Slutz, officiating, and ministers, Timothy Carlson, Josh Robinson, and William Moody participating.  Interment will be in East Sparta Cemetery.  Friends may call Sat. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the church before the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to Community Hospice, 716 Commercial Ave., New Philadelphia, OH 44663, or East Sparta Christian Church, PO Box 476, East Sparta, OH 44626.

 The family wishes to give special thanks to the staff of Community Hospice and Hennis Care Centre of Bolivar, for the excellent care of David, and to the faithful friends who visited regularly and helped Jo Anne during the 20 months David was cared for at home, especially Tom O’Dell, Dan Cordes, Frank Leighley, Gary Shaub, Carol Ramsey and Gwen Burkhart.

 At the request of the family, masks are respectfully required regardless of vaccination.

 Condolences may be sent to: www.gordonfuneralhomes.com

Gordon (330) 866-9425

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