Graveside service for former Davidson resident, Tommy Walter McKinney, age 72, of Durant, Oklahoma will be at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, November 5, 2022, at the Davidson Cemetery.  Tommy was welcomed by heaven on October 22, 2022. He was greeted by his parents and multiple friends and family members in the presence of his Heavenly Father.

Tom struggled through the devastating attacks of Alzheimer's disease for over eight years with dignity and a battle plan that included smiles and laughter at times when all such expressions were not expected. The disease eventually won at Featherstone Assisted Living in Durant, Oklahoma, surrounded by family members, caretakers, and Guardian Hospice workers who cared for him during his journey.

Tom grew up in Tillman County, Oklahoma. He was born in Vernon, Texas to Oliver Bernice McKinney and Willda Leen (Keyes) McKinney on February 15, 1950. The brown-eyed little boy learned to love family and friends. He attended Davidson Public Schools and graduated in May 1968. He married his high school sweetheart, Jan (Peter) McKinney on June 6, 1969. They attended Southwestern Oklahoma University in Weatherford, Oklahoma and graduated in May 1972. Tom taught in Frederick Public Schools, farmed, worked construction, built a log home for his family, was principal at Southside Public School in Elmer Oklahoma, and superintendent at Reydon Public Schools. In 1995, he and his family moved to Bryan County as he earned his Master of Education Degree and took the position of Regional Accreditation Officer for Southeastern Oklahoma until his retirement in February 2011.

Tom is survived by his wife, Jan, of the home, daughter Brandee Jones and husband Paul of Durant, Oklahoma, Dustee Russell and husband Jamie of Pottsboro, Texas, and Tangee Lee and husband Chris, of Enid Oklahoma. Tom had great pride and love in these daughters, three granddaughters, and three grandsons. He is also survived by one sister, Jerri Sparks of Mead, Oklahoma, and his brother Dennis McKinney of Oklahoma City.

Tom's ability to fix almost anything, his quick wit, and desire to help has been missed during his decline, but we all have his experiences with us to remember a life well lived.

Memorial donations may be sent to Davidson Cemetery Fund, 201 W Grand Avenue Davidson, Oklahoma 73530, in memory of Tommy Walter McKinney.

An online guestbook is available at, www.jacksonfuneral.net .