Floyd Clinton McKinney

Floyd Clinton McKinney, age 96, of Belle, passed away Sunday Morning, July 9, 2023, at his home surrounded by family.  

He was born November 22, 1926, in rural Maries county, a son to the late Everette and Susie (Cox) McKinney.

On July 16, 1949, Floyd was united in marriage to Ruth Alma Green. From this union, two daughters were born. Ruth survives of their home in Belle.

Floyd proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1945 until 1947. He was a lifelong area resident and a member of the Belle First Baptist Church. Floyd was a member of Belle Masonic Lodge #373 for 69 years and had received his 60 year pin.

Floyd quit school when he was young to help with the farm. When he got older, he began digging and hauling clay for the Gray brothers before opening the first Shell station in Belle which he ran for 7 years. Floyd retired from the Ford Motor Company in St. Louis after 22 years of employment. Following retirement, Floyd and Ruth spent many years camping and fishing at the Mark Twain Lake and spending the winters in Mission, Texas to wait out the winter. It was something he and Ruth enjoyed very much. His faith in God was strong and he and Ruth attended church every week no matter where they were until his health kept him from it. He was a hard worker, had a big heart and took joy in helping out others in need. He made many friends through the years and never met a stranger. He enjoyed listening to older country music on Willies Roadhouse and eating sweets but his greatest joy came from time spent with his family. He will be missed tremendously by them and all that knew him.

In addition to his wife of almost 74 years, Floyd is survived by: two daughters, Joyce Griffith of Belle and Linda Piel and her husband Larry of Belle; four grandchildren, Kristen Buddemeyer of Belle, Courtney Dunn and her husband Kevin of Belle, Candice Ostertag and her husband Larry of Belle, and Kara Dahn Loughridge who preceded him in death; and nine great-grandchildren, Levi Vanostran, Carter Dunn, Gentry Dunn, Kale Loughridge, Gunner Schlottog, Ruger Schlottog, Leighton Buddemeyer, Brandon Ostertag, and Matthew Ostertag as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, nine siblings Carl, Paul, Bernie, Eugene, John, Jack, Thelma, Viola, and Helen; one granddaughter, Kara Dahn Loughridge and one son-in-law, Mike Griffith.

Graveside services will be on Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at Countryside Memorial Gardens beginning at 10:00 a.m. with full military honors.  All who wish to attend are welcome.   

Expressions of sympathy may be made to Countryside Memorial Gardens.