Larry McKinney, 86, of Taylorville, IL, passed away peacefully in his sleep on May 22, 2026, at Taylorville Care Center. He was born on September 6, 1939, in rural Palmer, IL, the son of Morris Earl “Romy” and Florence Walker (Wilson) McKinney. He was a member of the Morrisonville High School Class of 1957. Larry served as class President and participated in numerous sports, even setting a school record in basketball. His senior year, he was named Prom King. Larry and his classmates were very close and still met weekly for coffee and had lunch once a month.

On June 4, 1960, he married Barbara Sue Boehler in Farmersville, Il.  He worked as a laborer for Firestone in Decatur, IL, for over 30 years until the time of his retirement. Larry enjoyed soft ball, playing cards, pitching horseshoes, going to garage sales, visiting his friends at the pawn shop, and was an avid Illini basketball fan. However, his biggest passion was his wife and family.

Surviving is his beloved wife of 65 years, Barbara McKinney of Taylorville, IL; son, Eric McKinney of Taylorville, Il; daughters, Susan (husband, Doug ) Nelson of Taylorville, IL and Maureen (husband, Jeff ) Landers of Citrus Springs, FL; grandchildren, Elizabeth, Rebecca, Michael and Amelia; as well as his brother Dan (Wife, Lavona) McKinney of Argenta, IL, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents; two daughters, Janice Elaine Johnston and Donna White; three brothers, Earl, Jim, and Nathan ”Butch” McKinney; and one sister, Marilee “Sis” Howard.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday May 27, 2026, from 10:00am-11:45 am at Sutton Memorial Home.  A funeral service will follow at 12 noon. Interment will be held at Anderson Cemetery in Palmer, IL, immediately following the ceremony.

Memorials in his honor may be made to American Cancer Society.

The family is being served by Sutton Memorial Home, Taylorville, IL.