Chris Allen McKinney

Chris Allen McKinney, 74, passed away on September 10, 2026, in Chanute, Kansas. He was born November 14, 1951, in Neodesha, Kansas, to Doyle Marvin and Alverta (Gwynn) McKinney.

Chris attended Chanute High School. He married Martha Boman on November 23, 1973, in Iola, Kansas. They shared a life and love for 53 years, apart only a handful of times.

He worked for the City of Chanute for 30 years with the Parks Department. His long career reflected a steady commitment to his community and the place he called home.

Chris never met a stranger. Everyone he met was automatically a friend.

He found joy in the simple pleasures of life. Chris loved watching wrestling, fishing, and bird watching. He especially enjoyed visiting the Ozarks with his family and taking

little road trips with his wife, until his health no longer allowed it. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandkids. They often spent that time watching Jackie Chan movies or Disney Channel and playing Nintendo, activities that brought both fun and familiarity to his days. His family were the lights of his life.

Above all, Chris will be remembered by his family as their hero.

He is survived by his wife, Martha McKinney; his daughter, Aubrey McKinney, and her partner Steve Reed; and numerous “other nother” children. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Shadow McKinney, Nik Gillespie, and bonus grandchildren, Amanda,

Cody, Charity, Kim, and Gannen, as well as his great-grandchildren, Damocles, Remington, and Everleigh.

Their lives carry forward his memory, and he will remain a cherished presence in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother; Doyle McKinney Jr., and his sisters; Lana Souders and Denna McKinney. Chris will be remembered with love for his devotion to family, his years of work in Chanute, and the many everyday joys that made him who he was.

A celebration of life memorial service will be held at a later date. Family has asked that memorials in honor of Chris be made to Castaways Animal Shelter, and they can be left with or mailed to the funeral home.

Services are under the personal care of Wickham Family Funeral Home, 500 North Forest Ave. Chanute, Kansas.