Kenneth Steel McKinney, 67, of Brookston, went to be with his Lord Sunday July 20, 2008, in Paris.

Starrett Funeral Home conducts funeral services at 1 p.m. Wednesday July 23, at Oak Park United Methodist Church of Paris with the Rev. Steve Cook officiating. Interment follows in Pleasant Hill Cemetery.

The body lies in repose at the church for one hour prior to the service.

The family receives friends from 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Born to Richard and Daultyne McKinney, of Biardstown in 1941, he was raised in a farming environment in several communities in Lamar County, settling in the Brookston area. A graduate of West Lamar High School, he was named a Lone Star and an American Farmer in 1961. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education and a Masters Degree in Education Administration, both from what is now the University of North Texas. He taught secondary history and English in the Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD and was a junior high school principal before being named the first principal of Newman Smith High School. He later relocated to the Houston area and served as principal of Westfield High School, from which he retired in 1993. Throughout his 32 years as a Texas educator, he touched the lives of thousands of students, parents, teachers, and other staff members. His leadership produced a quality learning environment, one which a teacher later referred to as the "days of Camelot." During his career, his professional memberships included Phi Delta Kappa, Texas Association of Secondary School Principals and National Association of Secondary School Principals. He was named Outstanding Secondary School Principal by TASSP in 1991. He was also a member of the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club and served on the Board of Directors of TASSP. He was an Honorary Member of the Greater Dallas County League of Municipalities and received a lifetime membership to the Texas Congress of Parents and Teachers Association and the Future Farmers of America.

Upon retirement, he returned to his roots in "God's country," settling once again in the Brookston area to farm and ranch at K-C Farms of Texas. He raised various grains and raised commercial and registered black Brangus cattle. He was a member of the Texas Brangus Breeders Association and the International Brangus Breeders Association. He also belonged to the Elks Club and the Oak Park United Methodist Church. In addition to loving his work, he enjoyed traveling and being with family and friends.

Preceded in death by both his parents and several aunts and uncles, he is survived by his loving wife, Claudia. Also left to mourn their loss are his son, Glen McKinney; daughter, Jean McKinney; daughter and son-in-law, Angi and Chris Putty and two beloved grandsons, Holden and Braeden Putty, all of Carrollton.

Other survivors include his extended families and friends.

Honoring him by serving as pallbearers are Dewey Ausmus, Jacob Blair, Carm Castoria, Stan Harrell, Jim James and Chris Putty.

If desired, in lieu of flowers donations may be made to Oak Park United Methodist Church, 2515 Bonham St., Paris, TX 75460, or a favorite charity.