William A. "Bill" McKinney (73) of Highland

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Published on July 12 2021 5:11 pm

William A. “Bill” McKinney, 73, of Highland, IL, passed away on Friday, July 9, 2021 at Anderson Hospital, Maryville, IL.

He was born in Mattoon, IL on February 15, 1948. Bill attended St. Jacob United Church of Christ in St. Jacob, IL. He was Past International Director of Lions Clubs International 2013-15, Past District Governor and Council Chair 2004-05. Bill served as president of Lions of Illinois Foundation 2010-11. Bill was a member of the Marine Lions Club, and an associate member of the St. Jacob Lions Club. He was instrumental in the formation of Regional Eye Care Committee serving clients in Southern Illinois. He loved farming and was a member of the Farmers Livestock Market Association and National Stock Yards since 1970. Bill always enjoyed a good auction, whether it was livestock or for his passion of collecting model tractors with his son Bryan. He loved traveling and meeting Lions members from every corner of the world with his life partner Lydia. Most of all he enjoyed his family and the times he spent with them.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert William and Mary Ruth (nee Cooter) McKinney.

He is survived by his life partner, Lydia Ellis of Highland, IL; his children, Tiffany E. (Tyler) Houberg of Collinsville, IL and Bryan R. (Tara nee Maedge) McKinney of Marine, IL; his five grandchildren, Faith E. and Megan A. Houberg, Aubrey, Addyson and Bryson McKinney; his brother Whitney N. (Janet) McKinney of Neoga, IL.; and many friends.

Memorials may be made to Lions of Illinois Foundation, Endowment Fund, 700 N Peace Rd, Suite B, Dekalb, IL 60115. Online expressions of sympathy may be made by clicking here.

Visitation will be held 1 to 4 pm on Sunday, July 25, 2021 at St. Jacob Activity Center, 208 N. Douglas Street, St. Jacob, IL. A celebration of life service will be held at 2 pm of Sunday, July 25, 2021 at ST. Jacob Activity Center, with the Rev. Gary Kniepkamp officiating. Interment will take place at Neoga Cemetery, Neoga, IL. AEBISCHER-RICHESON FUNERAL HOME, St. Jacob, IL is assisting.