John Adams McKinney

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Georgetown University United States Naval Academy

John McKinney Obituary

John Adams McKinney, a native of Huntsville, Texas passed away peacefully at his home in Colorado Springs, Colorado from a long courageous battle from Parkinson's disease. By his side was his beloved wife Cleo Turner McKinney. They would have celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on August 31st. John received a Congressional appointment to the United States Naval Academy and graduated in 1945. He served two years in naval service as an Ensign and resigned in 1947 to attend Georgetown University. He graduated from Georgetown University in 1951 with a doctoral of law (JD) degree. Two weeks after graduation he joined the Johns-Manville Corporation as a Patent Attorney and was named Chief Patent Attorney in 1957. He became Vice President of legal services in 1971, President in 1976, CEO in 1977 and Chairman and CEO in 1979. John retired in 1986. John had an outstanding 35 year career with Johns-Manville Corporation and was well known throughout the patent law field. John was loved and highly respected by all who knew him. He was known for his gentleness and integrity was always the perfect gentleman. During his lifetime, he served in many civic professional organizations, including the American Bar Association, the American Patent Association, and the License Executive Society. He also served as a member on the Federal Reserve Board in Kansas City. John and Cleo traveled all over the world together and he was an exceptional fly fisherman and golfer. He loved his family and his three little dogs, Missy, Bubba and Coco. John is survived by his loving wife Cleo, two sons: John Adams McKinney Jr. and Todd Turner McKinney; four grandsons: John Adams McKinney III, Thomas A. McKinney, David McKinney and Michael McKinney; and two great-granddaughters: Margo and Madelyn McKinney. He was preceded in death by his only darling daughter Cleo Kathleen McKinney, his parents, one brother and one sister. At John's request a memorial service will be at a later date at the United States Naval Academy where he first met Cleo and where they later married on August 31, 1946. In lieu of flowers, you can make a donation in John's memory to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation, 1359 Broadway, Suite 1509, New York, NY 10018 or the Pikes Peak Hospice, 825 E. Pikes Peak, Suite 600, Colorado Springs, CO 80903-3631. John, I love you always, your Cleo.

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Published by The Gazette on Aug. 11, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for John McKinney

12 Entries

Lonnie Morris

February 11, 2012

I was sorry to hear of Mr. McKinney's passing. I left JM after 35 years in 2007 and sincerely believe that there would be no JM today if not for Mr. McKinney. My strong passion for the company came from his guidance through some difficult times. I also worked closely with Todd for a few years and would like to convey my sincere condolences to him and to the entire family.

Lonnie Morris
Alpharetta, GA

Bob Boardman

September 21, 2011

Dear Cleo,

John was a wonderful role model, mentor and friend to me throughout my time at JM. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Bob & Fran Boardman

Anne Leazar

August 30, 2011

Aunt Cleo, A beautiful tribute to a wonderful man. He's a great uncle to me when I needed one when our Dad was ill. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Love you always, Anne (Ashburn) Leazar, Brian, Christine, and Paul Leazar

David Hannes

August 14, 2011

My condolences to the McKinney family on John's passing. He was a very fine and decent gentleman who left an excellent legacy at Johns Manville.

Shirley Kim-Ng

August 12, 2011

Dearest Cleo.
I can't tell you how sad I am to hear of John's passing. He was truly a Prince of a Man and admired by all who ever knew him. God bless and comfort you...
Love,
Your cousin,
Shirley

Paul Rowell

August 12, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers are with the McKinney family. Mr. McKinney inducted me into the JM Quarter Century Club in Denver in 1978. He was liked and respected by everyone who know him. I remember when he invited a group of us to use his telescope to view the Eagles Nest from his office at the Ken Caryl Ranch HQS.

Robert Manning

August 12, 2011

Our prayers are with the family of John McKinney at this time of thier loss.
We are very sorry to hear of John's passing and hold his memory in the highest regard. He was exactly what JM needed when he took the helm and directed the company to higher accomplishments.
Bob Manning (Lompoc CA)

Connie Wood

August 12, 2011

Dearest Cleo, My thoughts are with you on this very sad occasion. I have thought of both of you over the years and will always remember fun times at your home in Cherry Hills and at the Garden of the Gods. I plan on seeing your in Annapolis. Miss you and love you.
My best, Connie

Johns Manville

August 12, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers are with the McKinney family. John's years of service and dedication to the company are greatly appreciated.

John Petras

August 12, 2011

We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Please accept our deepest sympathies. I knew John during his entire career with JM and always appreciated his friendship and greeting of " Hi Johnny " .

August 12, 2011

Dear Cleo and Family,

We are so very sorry for your loss. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers. John will be missed by all.

Johns Manville QCC Denver Chapter

Denise Lavoie

August 12, 2011

I will always remember how distinguished and friendly he was to all of the employees at Johns Manville. He was a highly admired man.

May God comfort his loved ones.

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