The Herald Democrat
October 4, 2009

Jack Duke McKinney, 86 of Sherman, went to be with our Lord on Thursday, October 1, 2009, while being comforted by his family. Arrangements were under the direction of Dannel Funeral Home. Funeral services were held Monday morning, October 5, 2009 at North Park Baptist Church.  Rev. David Murphy of the church officiated. Interment followed at Cedarlawn Memorial Park where military honors were accorded at the graveside. 
Jack began his earthly life on August 2, 1923, in Waxahachie, son of Mary Elizabeth Williams and Jim Duke McKinney. He was preceded in death by his loving parents. 
After graduating from Sherman High School in 1941, he moved to Dallas and worked at a machine shop.
He then enlisted in the Army Air Force in November 1942, serving in World War II as a tail gunner on a B-17 and radio operator and mechanic. He rose to the rank of staff sergeant in World War II and was captured by the Germans. He was then imprisoned as a POW for 16 months in Stalag 17B in Krems, Austria. He received an Air Medal, POW Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Air Gunner Wings and Air Crew Wings. He returned home in October of 1945. 
Jack attended North Texas Business College and graduated in 1953. He worked at Scheurer Brother Hardware while attending college. In 1957 he went to work in construction for Shellenberger Inc. as an estimator and office manager. He retired in 1980 but continued to work for a while with Crookham & Vessels, George Bradley and Coldwell Banker. 
Jack was an active member of North Park Baptist Church, in Sherman, serving as a Deacon. 
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Louise Lane McKinney; son, Dennis McKinney and wife, Kim, of Sherman; daughter Karen McKinney and fiance, Gerald Sears, of Sherman; grandchildren, Staff Sgt. Joshua Duke McKinney and wife, Lorinda of Barksdale, AFB; Mori Michelle McKinney of Sherman; and Krista McKinney Russell and husband, 2nd Lieutenant Brian Russell, of Wichita Falls; great-grandson Jaden Duke McKinney of Barksdale, AFB. He is also survived by brothers, Charles A. McKinney and wife, Pat, of Arlington; and Joe P. McKinney and wife, J.L., of Pottsboro; and a number of nieces and nephews. 
Pallbearers were his nephews: Douglas Olds, Scott McKinney, Bill Lane, Jerry McKinney, Carlis Neal and Mark Lane; honorary pallbearers were Deacons of North Park Baptist Church. 
If desired, memorials may be made to North Park Baptist Church, 2605 Rex Cruse Drive, Sherman, TX 75092; The Rehabilitation Center, 1216 Hillcrest, Sherman, TX 75092 or Home Hospice of Grayson County 505 W. Center St., Sherman, TX 75090.