Charles Russell McKinney, passed away unexpectedly March 30, 2021 at his home near Englewood, Kansas.
Charles Russell (Chuck) McKinney was born in Ashland, Clark County, Kansas, on January 5, 1941, to George Wesley and Esther May (Bowers) McKinney. The family lived on the Grove Ranch until 1952, when they moved to the ranch homesteaded by Chuck’s grandfather, Charles Wesley McKinney. Chuck was a lifelong rancher and cattleman.
Chuck was active in sports throughout his school years at Englewood High School where he graduated with the class of 1959. He attended Fort Hays State University and graduated in 1963, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriclutre.
In September of 1962, he married Gloria Ann Thompson at the First Christian Church in Meade, Kansas. After graduating from college, they returned to Englewood where Chuck was involved in ranching. In 1968 he built and operated a feed yard in the Oklahoma Panhandle where he was an innovator in cattle feeding. Continuing his love for cattle, he and Gloria returned to the Grove Ranch in 1975 and raised their three children, James Wesley, Russell Lynn, and Gayla Lea.
Chuck wore many hats in the community. He was one of the founders and an active fireman on the Englewood Rural Fire Department for almost 40 years. He served on the Ashland-Englewood School Board for over 20 years and was President for a time. Chuck served as Clark County Commissioner from January 8, 2001, to present. Currently he was also serving as President of the Kansas Legislative Policy Group. He served faithfully as a member of the First Baptist Church of Meade, Kansas.
Chuck enjoyed fishing, hunting, and spending time with family and grandchildren. Another passion of his was flying. He enjoyed piloting his Cessna 210. He faithfully served his family, community, and Lord.
He is survived by his wife, Gloria of 59 years, his son, Wesley (Rhonda) McKinney and his daughter, Gayla (Kevin) Schwertfeger and their families. His grandchildren include, Samantha (Brian) Houtwed, Amanda (Jerry) Riggs, Joshua (Katie) McKinney, Elizabeth McKinney, and Anna Schwertfeger, and his three great-grandsons, Orval Wade Riggs , Grayson Dean Riggs, and Clayton Charles McKinney.
He is preceded in death by his parents, George and Esther McKinney; his brother, Wallace Gene McKinney; and his son, Russell Lynn McKinney.
Funeral services will be held Friday, April 2, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Meade, Kansas.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the Englewood Rural Fire Department in care of Fidler-Orme-Bachman Mortuary, Meade, Kansas.
Personal condolences may be given to the family at www.fidlerormebachmanmortuary.com
