Robert D. McKinney, 78, of Tiffin, died at 4:25 p.m. Monday, March 23, 2015 at home with his family. He was born Dec. 14, 1936 in Bluffton, to John D. and Isabel (Faze) McKinney. He married Joyce Bentz Oct 30, 1965 in St. Joseph Catholic Church, Tiffin, and she survives.
Other survivors include, a son William D. McKinney and a daughter, Karen S. Irving, both of Tiffin; two grandchildren, Joey (Ashley) Irving, III, Hollie M. Irving; a great grandson, Ryker VanDer Laar; four brothers, Jack McKinney of Lima, Bill (Esther) McKinney of Elida, Rodney ( Marilyn) McKinney of Lima and Tim (Velma) McKinney of Columbus Grove; four sisters, Janet Hesseling of Lima, Jane (Kenn)Parish of Findlay, Jo Miller of Wapakoneta, and Jean (Phil) Jones of Vendocia, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Tom McKinney; and two brothers-in-law, Bruce Miller and Don Hesseling.
Robert attended Elida High School. He served in the United States Army from 1960 - 1962 during Vietnam. He was a conductor on Norfolk Southern Railway for 44 years. He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, the Eagles, Elks, Amvets, VFW and the American Legion. He was an avid fan of The Ohio State University.
Visitation will be Friday, March 27, 2015, from 4-8 p.m. with a wake service at 3:30 p.m. at Traunero Funeral Home and Crematory, 214 S. Monroe Street Tiffin, Ohio 44883, (419) 447-3113. The United Veteran's Council of Seneca County will perform military rites at the funeral home Friday evening.
Prayers will be said at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 28, 2015, at the funeral home followed by the funeral Mass at 11 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church with Rev. Dan Ring officiating. Burial will take place at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.
The rosary will be recited 20 minutes prior to the Mass at the church.
Contributions may be made to Community Hospice Care or to St. Mary Catholic Church in care of the funeral home.