Jerome W. "Jerry" McKinney, 85, of Lebanon, died Thursday, October 15 at the Restoracy in Whitestown.  Jerry was born on January 27, 1940 in Lafayette, Indiana; a son of the late William Harold and Hazel Elizabeth (Morris) McKinney.

Jerry graduated from the Royal Center High School where he met Darlene Pufahl who convinced her brother to have Jerry ask her to a party with him. Needless to say, it worked out, and together they celebrated over 65 years of marriage. Together they enjoyed many good times and memories, but some of the best memories were made in and around water.  Teaching their daughters how to water ski, fishing, boating, and throwing his son-in-law off of the tube made water time fun. On the way home from church Jerry told his wife and daughters that he was going to chase a turtle off the road, they told him that they would meet him at home. Well, this started what became a passion for collecting turtles, large or small.

Jerry and Darlene were fifty years plus members of the Sugar Grove Church in Goshen before moving to Lebanon. Jerry helped plan and build the church and served as an elder.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife; daughters, Kimberly J. (Philip) Taberski of Avon, Indiana and Kathryn S. "Katy" (Ernie) Kemp of Lebanon; grandson, Eric (Danielle) Byrum of Lebanon; great-grandchildren, Kaylin Byrum, Orion Byrum, Mia Byrum, Max Byrum and Blaze Kemp.  He was preceded in death by his siblings, Maurice, Loren and Leon McKinney and Phyllis Benge.

Family and friends will gather on Sunday, October 19 from 4:00 p.m. until the time of service with Rev. David Wright officiating at 6:00 p.m. in the Strawmyer and Drury Mortuary, 2400 N. Lebanon Street, Lebanon.  Jerry will be laid to rest in the Sugar Grove Cemetery in Goshen, Indiana on Monday, October 20 at 1:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions in his memory may be made to the Sugar Grove Church, 58512 Old County Road 17, Goshen, IN 46528