Verne Lester Mckinney

Verne Lester McKinney passed away Monday, Feb. 20, 2017, after a battle with brain cancer. His wife of 14 years, Alice Johnson-McKinney, was at his side, along with close friends Martin and Shirley Schwend, and Frank and Sharon DeRudder.

Verne was the firstborn of four sons to Lester and Cordella McKinney, he was born May 30, 1934 in Miles City. After working as a truck driver, he operated the Hayloft Bar and Arena on the Old Roundup Road. As a teamster, Verne drove for the movie companies for 22 years, retiring in 2001.

He enjoyed the rodeo and competed as a bulldogger until he turned 40. An avid hunter, Verne was able, in the last few years, to go on safaris in Africa, New Zealand and the Arctic. He enjoyed his mounts and the perfect place to display them was their summer log home in Bridger.

Survivors include his wife, Alice; one daughter, Leslie Pangburn (Rick) of Billings; daughter-in-law Betty McKinney; grandson Ryan McKinney (Stephanie); Alice's daughter Becky Johnson-Cecil; granddaughter Megan Cecil; and three brothers, Ron of Jackson, CA, Lloyd (Linna) of Cohagen, and Larry (Katie) of Plymouth, CA. He was preceded in death by his son, Joel McKinney.

Funeral services will be 2pm Saturday at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary. Interment will be 2pm Monday in the Custer County Cemetery, Miles City.

In lieu of flowers memorials in memory of Verne McKinney may be sent to the John Wayne Cancer Institute, Dr. Mark Faries Research, 2200 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90404.