Gerald L. McKinney

Age 84 of Morris, Illinois, died peacefully on Wednesday morning, April 16, 2025 at his home.

Born on March 21, 1941, in Hamilton County, Illinois, Gerald was the son of Jeff P. and Audrey L. (Richards) McKinney. He was raised in McLeansboro and graduated with the Class of 1960 from McLeansboro Township High School. Following graduation, Gerald answered the call to serve his country, enlisting in the United States Navy, where he served with honor and pride.

On December 26, 1965, Gerald married Jean K. Pacholke in Westside, Iowa. Together, they built a life and raised their family.

Gerald dedicated over three decades of his professional life to the railroad, working for the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway (EJ&E) until his well-earned retirement. He found joy in life’s simple pleasures — especially working in his garden, which he shared with all his friends and neighbors, and tending to his immaculate lawn, passions that reflected his appreciation for nature, patience, and care.

Gerald will be remembered as a devoted husband, a loving father, grandfather, great grandfather and a loyal friend. His legacy lives on in all who had the privilege to know him.

Survivors include his loving wife of 59 years, Jean; three children: John (Renee) McKinney of Marseilles, Illinois, Jackie (Sergio) Diaz of Morris and Jane (Victor) Montero of Morris; grandchildren: Nikolas (Tonya) McKinney, Gabe (Shaina) White, Wesley Diaz, Nathan Diaz, Vinny Montero and Jenny (Gary) Wren; great grandchildren: Liberty and River McKinney, Wyatt and Cal White and Finnley and Cooper Wren; siblings: Dean (the late Rosemary) McKinney, Lyndell McKinney, Robert McKinney, Russell McKinney and Sharon (Dan) Gillis; two sisters-in-law, Kay Pacholke and Linda McKinney, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents; sisters: Jean Hehn and Alene Klinker and brothers: Donald Ray McKinney, James McKinney, Richard McKinney, and Ronnie McKinney, and one brother-in-law, Norman Pacholke.

The family will receive friends for a visitation at Reeves Funeral Home, 408 East Washington Street, in Morris on Monday, April 21, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. until time of funeral service 11:30 a.m. Reverend Keck Mowry will officiate. Burial will follow in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois, where Gerald will be laid to rest with full military honors.

Pallbearers will be Gerald's grandsons and son-in-law.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Gerald’s memory to the First United Methodist Church or to Habitat for Humanity.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.ReevesFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Gerald’s memorial page online through social media.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves, Fruland and Baskerville Funeral Homes. (815-942-2500)