Obituary of Thomas Edward McKinney Sr.

Springwater- Thomas Edward McKinney Sr. age 66, passed away late Thursday night, January 25, 2024 at the Livingston County CFNR, following a long illness. Tom was born in Dover, Delaware, on November 28, 1957, a son of Clarence W. and Mary Helen (Nipper) McKinney Sr. He was also predeceased by his son, Thomas E. McKinney Jr., his father, Clarence W. McKinney Sr., his brother, Franklin I. McKinney and brother-in-law, John Simmons. Being the 2nd oldest of 9 children, Tom grew up in a busy household. As a child, he enjoyed his time practicing his brass playing, singing, participating in the Boy Scouts, and taking family trips to Florida. When Tom was 15 years old, he was selected for the American Youth Honor Band and took a trip to play at St. Petersburg Russia in the 1970s. Following graduation from Dover Delaware High School Class of 1975, Thomas attended one semester at Wesley College in Dover before joining the United States Marine Corps, serving honorably for 8 years. During his years in the Marines, he played the trombone in the Marine Corps Band while stationed in both California and Hawaii. He was also a Water Survival Instructor assisting Marine and Naval recruits in passing their swimming requirements. After his time in the Marine Corps, Tom attended SUNY Geneseo and achieved a bachelor's degree in business management before going on to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where he earned a Master of Arts degree in Industrial and Labor Relations. Thomas worked in Policy Holder Services for the New York State Insurance Fund out of the Rochester office for 19 years. Prior to this he traveled through the entirety of the continental United States as a long-haul truck driver for K&J trucking. Tom was a lover of all things musical and was a trombone player in the local jazz bands, 78 RPM and the Hepcats. He also played with the Hornell Area Wind Ensemble. He was a gifted musician and enjoyed singing as well, singing with both the Dansville and Wayland United Methodist Church choirs at different points in time. He was also a proud member of Springwater Post #905 of the American Legion; he enjoyed socializing and spending time with his friends there. Thomas is survived by his children, Miranda K. McKinney and Anthony R. (Stacy) McKinney, friend and former wife Barbara J. Rex-McKinney; siblings, Clarence "Mac" W. (Doris) McKinney Jr., Judy A. (Phillip) McKinney, Jo Ann (Christopher) Norquest, Jerry L. McKinney, James J. McKinney, Sonia L. (Roland) Cady, Tonia A. Simmons, two grandchildren, and a multitude of nieces, nephews and cousins. Interment with full military honors, to be held on February 16th at 1pm at the Bath National Cemetery. Memorial and reception to follow at the Springwater American Legion. Online memories may be shared at HindleFuneralHome.com. In lieu of flowers please make memorials to The Springwater Legion Post #905, 7998 School St, Springwater, NY 14560, or donate to the Alzheimer's Association on their website as a 225 N. Michigan Ave. Floor 17 Chicago, IL 60601