Floyd Clinton McKinney, 96, of Belle, passed away Sunday morning, July 9, 2023, at his home surrounded by family.
He was born Nov. 22, 1926, in rural Maries County, a son to the late Everette and Susie (Cox) McKinney.
He was united in marriage to Ruth Alma Green, July 16, 1949. From this union, two daughters were born. Ruth survives of their home in Belle.
Floyd proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from 1945 until 1947. He was a lifelong area resident and a member of the Belle First Baptist Church. He was a member of Belle Masonic Lodge #373 for 69 years and had received his 60 year pin.
Floyd quit school when he was young to help with the farm. When he got older, he began digging and hauling clay for the Gray brothers before opening the first Shell station in Belle which he ran for seven years. Floyd retired from the Ford Motor Company in St. Louis after 22 years of employment. Following retirement, Floyd and Ruth spent many years camping and fishing at the Mark Twain Lake and spending the winters in Mission, Texas to wait out the winter. It was something he and Ruth enjoyed very much. His faith in God was strong and he and Ruth attended church every week no matter where they were until his health kept him from it. He was a hard worker, had a big heart and took joy in helping out others in need. He made many friends through the years and never met a stranger. He enjoyed listening to older country music on Willies Roadhouse and eating sweets but his greatest joy came from time spent with his family. He will be missed tremendously by them and all that knew him.
He was preceded in death by parents, Everette and Susie; siblings Carl, Paul, Bernie, Eugene, John, Jack, Thelma, Viola and Helen; granddaughter, Kara Dahn Loughridge; and son-in-law, Mike Griffith.
Floyd is survived by wife Ruth, of almost 74 years; daughters, Joyce Griffith of Belle and Linda Piel and husband Larry of Belle; grandchildren, Kristen Buddemeyer, Courtney Dunn and husband Kevin, and Candice Ostertag and husband Larry all of Belle; and great-grandchildren, Levi Vanostran, Carter Dunn, Gentry Dunn, Kale Loughridge, Gunner Schlottog, Ruger Schlottog, Leighton Buddemeyer, Brandon Ostertag, and Matthew Ostertag; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.
Graveside services will be Wednesday (today), July 12, at Countryside Memorial Gardens beginning at 10 a.m. with full military honors. All who wish to attend are welcome.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to Countryside Memorial Gardens.
Arrangements are under the direction of Sassmann’s Chapel, Belle.
