He was born in Crescent, Oklahoma on October 11, 1911 to Josephine and William Ernest McKinney.
He earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Phillips University. After graduation, he taught. was a principal and became superintendent of the Crescent Public Schools. He then entered the U.S. Navy where he spent two years as a staff officer under Admiral Nimitz in the Pacific After the war he went back to school and was granted a Doctorate from the University of Oklahoma.Dr. McKinney served as Dean of Adams State College in Alamosa, Colorado from 1953 to1964. In 1964 he was asked to start Metropolitan State College in Denver. He then served as Dean of the College until his retirement.
During that time he was a member of the North Central Committee of Accreditation for Colleges and Universities in a nineteen state area.
Keats was an avid gardener, traveler and collector of antiques.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings, Nevelle Ernest, Robert, Elma and Inez as well as his wife, Marva Lee and two grandsons, Rodney and Tommy Sutak.
He is survived by two daughters, Patricia Krekel,( Bill Montgomery), Denver, and Sharon Barnes, Juneau, Alaska. as well as six grandchildren 10 great grandchildren and 8 great great grandchildren.
Graveside services will be held at Ft. Logan National Cemetery on Wednesday, December 22..
A Memorial Service to celebrate his life will be held at Wellshire Presbyterian Church, 2999 S. Colorado Blvd. at a later time.
Memorial gifts may be made to Wellshire Presbyterian Church, 2999 S, Colorado Blvd.
Denver, 80222 or to Agape Healthcare / Hospice
6041 S. Syracuse Wy. Suite 220
Greenwood Village,Co 80111
For additional information, please contact Pat or Sondra.
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