Mark Theodore McKinney

Mark T. “Papaw” McKinney, age 65, of Gulfport, MS (originally from Terre Haute, IN) passed away on Wednesday, May 4, 2022 in his residence surrounded by loved ones. 

He was born on September 28, 1956 in Terre Haute, IN to Harry Leon and Bertha (Holley) McKinney.  He completed basic training for the US Army in 1974, then was stationed at Ft Campbell, KY where he served until he was Honorably Discharged in 1977.  He was a softball coach at both West Terre Haute Little League and Wabash Valley Girls Softball League for many years.  He also served as Board President while at WVGSL. He was a football coach at the 3^rd and 4^th grade level for Vigo County Youth Football for several years, as well. 

His employers include the Bramble Bush, Elkins Trucking, Union Hospital Health Group, and Rose Hulman Institute of Technology.  In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing, gardening, tinkering around the house, and following grandkids to different sporting events. 

Mark was preceded in death by both parents, Harry and Bertha Jean; siblings Harry Leon McKinney, Jr., Sheralyn (Sherri) Stewart, Iris Kathleen (Katie) Fagg; brothers-in-law Tom Graham Sr, Richard (Dick) Stewart, Ron Fagg, and Harold Osborn Sr; nieces Lisa Marie Osborn and Heather Michelle Jenkins; nephews Jesse Matthew Graham and Justin Judson. 

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Rita Jean (Royer) McKinney, two children and their spouses; Melynda McKinney Ward (Sheryll) and Miranda Rush (Nick). Three grandchildren; Alexandrea McKinney (Alex), Nickolas Rush, Jr. and Dustin Drisko; siblings include Linda Graham, Ethel Graham (Jesse), Carolyn Robison (Larry), Sharon Crabb (Larry); an 11 year old black lab named Gabbie. He has 380 nieces and nephews, with two on the way. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be sent to the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK or visit cancer.org.

Services will be conducted in Terre Haute, IN at a later date. Family and friends will be notified when a date is selected. 

Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15452 O’Neal Road, Gulfport, MS is honored to serve the McKinney family.