Donald McKechnie (Veteran)

Donald Bruce McKechnie, 78, of Jefferson City, passed away Tuesday, June 7, 2011, at his daughter's home, with his family by his side. He was born January 25, 1933, in Calvin, N.D., a son of the late Alexander and Ruth (Heller) McKechnie. He was a 1947 graduate of Sioux Falls Public High School. On July 30, 1963, Donald was united in marriage in Miama, Okla., to Linda Euper, who preceded him in death in 2004. Donald worked as an Systems Maintenance Engineer at United Telephone/Sprint for 37 years, until his retirement in 1994. He was a veteran of the United States Army. He was a member of the Mason's and the Order of the Eastern Star. Donald enjoyed playing golf, woodworking, spending time with his family, spending time with his friends at Dudley's Restaurant, and always enjoyed helping others. He is survived by three children: Rita Brondel (husband Todd) of Jefferson City; John McKechnie of Independence; Juli Little (husband Mike) of Jefferson City; three sisters: Marilyn McNeely of Springfield, S.D.; Carol Preisendorfer of Grants Pass, Ore.; Judith Fingar of Seattle, Wash.; two brothers: John McKechnie of Seattle, Wash.; David McKechnie of Sioux Falls, S.D.; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a brother: Jim McKechnie in 2010. Friends will be received from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, June 10, 2011, at the Houser-Millard Funeral Home, with funeral services and full military honors to follow at 7:00 p.m., with Chaplain Bruce Gardner officiating. Interment will be private for the family at Hawthorn Memorial Gardens. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Hospice Compassus or the St. Martin Catholic School Library Fund. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street, (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at millardfamilychapels.com