Dennis Robert McKinley

Dennis Robert McKinley, 63, of Kansas City, MO, born Tuesday, November 5, 1957, in East St. Louis, IL, passed away after a seven year battle with Glioblastoma brain cancer Wednesday, July 21, 2021 at Northcare Hospice House in Kansas City, MO.

Dennis was an aircraft mechanic for TWA & American. He loved messing with cars, hunting, and was a longtime member of the NRA. He was adamant about gun control. He had a soft heart for others, and especially animals; domestic and wild.

He was preceded in death by his:

• Father, Robert L. McKinley
• Grandfather, Frank E. McKinley
• Grandparents:
  • Elmer and Bertha (formerly McKinley) Bundy
  • Clarence and Helen Lamming
• as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Surviving are his:

• Wife, Lee Ann, nee Sforza, McKinley of Kansas City, MO
• Mother, Barbara, nee Lamming, McKinley of Belleville, IL
• Sisters:
  • Deborah (Thomas) Belter of Swansea, IL
  • Dawn McKinley of Durham, NC
• Brother-in-law, Paul (Laura) Sforza of Belleville, IL
• Nieces:
  • Aimee (Rob) Wangelin
  • Bianca Sforza
• Nephews:
  • Bryon (Denise) Belter
  • Bob Sforza
• Great-Nieces and Nephews:
  • Andrew
  • Sydney
  • Vivien
  • Cara
  • Colette

Our sincere thanks to everyone at St. Matthew Methodist Church in Belleville, and the many friends and strangers who offered up prayers on Dennis’ behalf through all these years.
To his many care givers over the years, we appreciate you standing in our stead when we couldn’t be with him.

Memorials: Memorials may be made to the Belleville Area Humane Society and Northcare Hospice House in K.C., MO

Visitation: Visitation from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm, Saturday, July 31, 2021 at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, IL.

Funeral: Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 pm, Saturday, July 31, 2021 at Kurrus Funeral Home with Rev. Bob Swickard officating. Interment will follow at Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, IL.