Buddy Eugene McKinney Jr.

In Loving Memory of Buddy Eugene McKinney Jr. March 19, 1959 – April 28, 2026 With heavy hearts and steadfast faith, we celebrate the life of Buddy Eugene McKinney Jr., who entered eternal rest on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at the age of 67, embraced by the grace of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Buddy was born on March 19, 1959, in Durant, Oklahoma to Martha (Robertson) McKinney and Buddy McKinney Sr. He graduated from Colbert High School, Class of 1977, and went on to dedicate 23 years to Nabisco and 21 years to Twin Distributing. Buddy met the love of his life, Dana Lea Washer, in high school. Together, they shared 45 years of marriage, building a life centered on love, faith, and family. He was a devoted husband, a proud father, and a loving grandfather. Family was everything to Buddy-he was a strong provider, a fierce protector, and a steady, guiding presence in their lives. He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Katherine McKinney and his beloved granddaughter, Saige Rian Baeza. Buddy leaves behind his loving wife, Dana McKinney; his daughters Alicia Baeza and her husband Carlos, and Kristen Foster; and his cherished grandchildren, Malachi Lewis, Jaxon Baeza and his significant other Brooklynn McCoy, Izabell Baeza, and Abel Foster. He is also survived by his siblings, Mark McKinney and wife Robin, Genia Neal, Kendra Blakey and husband Craig, and Robert McKinney, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. Buddy lived a life the reflected Christ’s love. He was a man of prayer, integrity, and quiet strength, always putting others before himself. He was deeply involved in the lives of his children and grandchildren, faithfully supporting them in every way- from the stands at ball games to working alongside them with their animals. He loved the outdoors-hunting, fishing, and camping and found joy in riding his Harley and following racing. A hardworking man, he took pride in using his hands to build, fix, and provide. A member of Platter Baptist Church, Buddy’s faith guided his life. When asked by hospital staff what he wanted them to know about him, he simply said “I pray a lot.” Those words perfectly captured the heart of a man we knew and loved. While we mourn his passing, we find peace in knowing he now walks in eternal light, free from pain and rejoicing in heaven. His legacy of faith, love, and devotion will live on in all who knew him. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Platter Baptist Church with Pastor Randy Lewis officiating. Interment will follow in the Garden of Memory Cemetery with Jeff Horn, Ricky Pratt, Mark McKinney, Malachi Lewis, Jaxon Baeza, Able Foster, Craig Blakey, and Preston Pace serving as pallbearers. The family will receive friends on Friday evening from 6-8 PM at the Funeral Home. Arrangements are under the direction of Brown’s Durant Funeral and Cremation Service.

Buddy Eugene McKinney Jr.

March 19, 1959 - April 28, 2026