In loving memory of

Jeffrey William McKinnon
September 1, 1944 - January 6, 2018

Jeffrey William McKinnon 73, of New London, Iowa, died January 6, 2018 at the Great River Klein Center after an extended illness. Born September 1, 1944, in Burlington, Iowa, he was the son of Bill and Margaret Lu Westerbeck McKinnon. He married Suzanne McCabe on December 6, 1970. They later divorced.
Mr. McKinnon graduated from New London High School in 1962. He was in the Navy for four years and served in Vietnam from May of 1969 until May of 1970, when he was honorably discharged. He received his degree in political science from Iowa Wesleyan College in 1974.
He worked for Goodyear Tire, Montgomery Wards, and retired from long haul trucking in 2007.
He loved his family and was an avid St. Louis Cardinal and Chicago Bears fan. He loved music and was a self-taught musician who played in many local bands. He closely followed New London and Ottumwa sports in support of his great-nephews and grandsons. He loved political discourse and liked to argue politics with his liberal friends.
Mr. McKinnon is survived by his daughter, Jennifer (Ken) Callahan of West Des Moines, Iowa; his son, Robert (Laurie) McKinnon of Ottumwa, Iowa; his six precious grandchildren: Christian, Zachery, and Logan Callahan and Colton, Ryan, and Katie McKinnon; his sister, Gina (Bob) Anderson of New London; niece Lindsay (Bryant) Porter and nephew Ryan (Sara) Anderson, both of New London; one great niece, five great nephews; one aunt, Freda McKinnon and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents. He was a follower of Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior.
The memorial service for Jeffrey McKinnon will be at 11:00 am Friday at Elliott Chapel with Pastor Dean Graber and Mr. Mike Byrum officiating. Military rites will be by the Henry County Honor Guard. Visitation will begin at 9:00 with the family present to receive friends one hour prior to the service. Cremation has been accorded and inurnment will be at Burge Cemetery at a later date. Memorials have been established for New London High School Athletics and Great River Hospice.

Tributes

Iowa Wesleyan University Office of Alumni Relation wrote on Feb 19, 2018:

"Your friends at Iowa Wesleyan University extend sincere with the Loss of Jeff."

Holly Christe Mills wrote on Jan 10, 2018:

"Sorry for your loss, sending Hugs and prayers George and Mary Christe Holly Christe-Mills"

Brian Lee wrote on Jan 9, 2018:

"We worked with Jeff 25+ years ago at Wards. We moved away 20 years ago, but over the past several years reconnected with Jeff via Facebook. We had many conversations about our shared conservative views. :-) Our thoughts and prayers are with Jeff and his family. RIP Jeff. Brian & Lisa Lee"

Jim Ritchey wrote on Jan 9, 2018:

"Jeff and I were friends for 68 years and I have so many good memories of our childhood, high school, playing in a band, joining the service together and then our adult life. Even though we were the best of friends we competed in everything we did. We could make throwing a ball over a house a important sport. That competitiveness never left and lead to countless lively discussions which I will miss. Jeff, rest in peace. Jim"

gary johnson wrote on Jan 9, 2018:

"I attended Burlington Junior College with Jeff , back in the late 60's. At that time, he wanted to learn how to play the drums, and we spent countless hours practicing on the dashboard of my car. Jeff had a passion for music and a deep desire to share it with the world. Billy Joel said it best "Only The Good Die Young". Gary Johnson"

Dennis & Leslye Krieger wrote on Jan 8, 2018:

"Rest in Eternal Peace Jeff, I will cherish all the years we played great music together and also the great school memories and your hot rods. It has been my honor to have known you and your family and you will be missed by all, but never ever forgotten my friend. RIP.. Dennis and Leslye Krieger"

Jacqueline wrote on Jan 8, 2018:

"It was such an honor and pleasure to care for Jeff. Every day that I worked I looked forward to taking by him his first cup of coffee and banana so I could write a note of encouragement or something silly to make him laugh. He would always say "I love you girls" well Jeff, we loved you too...very much. I miss you and I will remember you and cherish the memories always ??"