Wayne H. McKinney Sr.

Wayne was born on May 31, 1921 in Houston, Missouri. While growing up in Colo, Iowa, Wayne was selected for the All-State Football team in 1940. He played along side with former Iowa Governor Harold Hughes and caught passes from quarterback Nile Kinnick.

Wayne went on to serve his country in WWII as a flight engineer operating a Douglas C-47. Wayne engaged in several campaigns including three missions over Normandy on D-Day, Battle of the Bulge, and Nijmegen. He received personal acknowledgement from General Dwight D. Eisenhower along with being awarded with several medals, including five bronze stars, the Air Medal and a Distinguished Unit Badge.

On July 1, 1948 he married Gloria Essy. Together, Gloria and Wayne farmed for several years in Colo and owned and operated Wayne’s Steakhouse in Grinnell, Iowa. Along with his brothers-in-law, Ed Essy, Pat Essy and George Essy, Wayne owned and operated Val Lanes Bowling Alley in West Des Moines for over 30 years. Wayne continued to be active in farming all his life. Although Wayne was successful in his business operations, the most important part of his life was his family. He was kind and generous. Wayne greeted everyone with a smile and open arms. He was most happy when he was with his family.

Wayne is survived by his three sons; Wayne Jr. (Debra), Robert (Janis), and James (Lisa); a daughter, Debbie (James Nahas); thirteen grandchildren, Matthew (Mallary), Jessica, Caroline, Jason (Kati), Alex, Kaitlin, Joseph, Jennifer, Melissa, (T.J. Fyfe), Elizabeth, Jacob, Audrey, and Jack. He was preceded in death by his wife Gloria and his grandson Virgil. Visitation will be held Tuesday July 10, from 5-7 p.m. with a rosary starting at 7 p.m., at McLaren’s Chapel, 801-19th Street, West Des Moines. Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 11 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church of West Des Moines followed by a full military burial at McLaren’s Resthaven Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church of West Des Moines, or the West Des Moines American Legion or the West Des Moines V.F.W. West Des Moines, Iowa 50265. Online condolences to mclarensresthavenchapel.com