William "Bill" McKinney III

William "Bill" McKinney III, 66, of Russellville, passed away on Thursday, February 18, 2021, at St. Mary's Health Center. He was born on May 22, 1954, a son of the late William and Jean Ann (Willemeno) McKinney Jr. He was united in marriage to Thelma Lou Barnhart in June of 1976. After high school Bill began working for Mitchell Construction (Dixon, Missouri) until 1976, when he went to work for Missouri Pacific Railroad, later to become Union Pacific, where he would retire after 38 years of service. He loved his job riding the rails throughout the state as a railroad engineer. He and Thelma enjoyed attending swap meets and searching for old mason jars and Aladdin lamps. Bill was an avid arrow head and coin collector. What he enjoyed most was spending time with his family. He will be greatly missed. Bill is survived by his wife of 45 years, Thelma McKinney; children, William F. McKinney IV and Lisa Ann Mertens (Joseph); brothers, Dennis McKinney (Linda), Doug McKinney and Fred McKinney (Debbie); grandchildren, Kelsie Mertens, Kayne McKinney, Dax York and Nash McKinney. He was preceded in death by his brother, Adam McKinney. Family and friends will be received on Monday, February 22, 2021, from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. at Houser-Millard Funeral Directors. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the American Cancer Society. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street, Jefferson City, Missouri 65109 (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.millardfamilychapels.com.