David Lee McKinney, 89, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, in Toppenish, Washington.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm (Montana time), on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at the Heron Community Church in Heron, Montana. Interment will follow at the Heron Montana Cemetery. Pastor Irene Anderson of New Life Fellowship, Thompson Falls, Montana, will officiate.

Calling hours will be held from 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm, Friday, February 20, 2026 at Coffelt Funeral Service in Sandpoint, Idaho.

David was born on June 27, 1936, in Bristol, Tennessee. He spent five years of his childhood at Grandfather’s Home for Children in Banner Elk, North Carolina. At the age of twelve, his family moved to Spokane, Washington, and later settled in Heron, Montana, where he attended Noxon High School. It was there that he met the love of his life, Glenda, to whom he was married for 61 years.

David was a proud veteran of the United States Army, serving his country with honor and integrity for 21 years. He volunteered for the draft in 1954 and initially served in the Criminal Investigation Division (CID), followed by additional assignments in other military occupational specialties. His distinguished service included tours of duty in Korea, Okinawa, Vietnam, and Panama. He was honorably discharged as Sergeant First Class (E-7) in 1975, having received numerous commendations, including the Combat Infantry Badge, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Meritorious Unit Emblem, and the Vietnam Gallantry Cross.

Following his military retirement, David continued a life of service as an educator. He became Department Head at Bismarck State College, where he established North Dakota’s first Power Plant Technology program and later taught at the University of Alaska, where he created the Power Generation and Refrigeration program.

Beyond his professional life, David was a self-taught and talented musician and guitarist. Music was one of his greatest joys, and he was often the heart of family gatherings, leading songs and bringing people together through music. His spiritual faith was deeply important to him and guided his life, values, and service to others.

David is survived by his children, David McKinney Jr. (Lori) of Wilsonville, Oregon, and Kandy Schendel (John) of Edgewood, Washington; three grandchildren, Brian McKinney, Mandy Schendel, and Melanie Schendel; and one great-granddaughter, Zaydie McKinney.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Glenda McKinney, parents, Wayman McKinney and Bonnie (Wood) Behmerwohld; and five sisters: Millie Louise Brewer, Bettie Wayne Behmerwohld, Genevieve Carolyn “Jenny” Behmerwohld, Grace Elizabeth Syth, and Edna Ann Pleat.