E. Frank McKinney

E. Frank McKinney, affectionately known as “DOGpa” by his adoring grandchildren, was a man whose presence was larger than life and whose character is difficult to encapsulate in words. To know Frank was to love him, and his laughter was as infectious as his heart was generous. Ever the life of the party, Frank knew that hard work must be balanced with a healthy amount of leisure, evident in his motto “work hard all week and party all weekend.” Frank worked tirelessly throughout his life to provide for his family and never missed an event, from weddings to graduations to birthdays. He lived to spoil his grandchildren with abandon and never let those near him forget how much he loved them. His passing leaves a huge vacuum in a tight-knit family that delighted in his company and shared in life’s joys with him for decades. 

 Frank was born December 4th, 1932 in Detroit, MI and grew up in Arlington, VA. His childhood was not free from difficulties, but his resilience and intelligence carried him through an undergraduate education at the University of Virginia, followed by completion of his Juris Doctor at Georgetown Law. In college at UVA, he met his soulmate and the woman who would become his wife of nearly 70 years, Linda Lee Cook, with whom he later started a family while working full time and attending law school at night. After completion of his JD, Frank began a long and successful career in corporate law, culminating as vice president and general counsel for Appleton Papers. His staff and colleagues speak highly of him to this day. Frank greatly valued education and imbued his progeny with this value, providing generously to ensure they could always seek higher education. 

 Aside from his career in law and role as a family man, Frank was many things; a lifelong Chicago Bears fan despite their innumerable losses, an enthusiastic fan of Olympic track and field and swimming, an expert on DIY firework displays, and a semi-professional dog sitter. He was a lover of children, animals, IPAs, green bananas, and slightly burnt toast. Frank passed away peacefully in his sleep surrounded by loved ones in the early morning hours of June 1st, 2024 at the ripe old age of 91. He is survived by his loyal and devoted wife Linda C. McKinney; his four daughters Karen (John) Sinclair, Cindy (née McKinney), Kathy (Jeff) Rutter, and Laura (Tom) Sinclair; his grandchildren Boo Boo Head, Collywoggers, Michael Michael Motorcycle, Lynnerd, Leigh-Leigh, Mooser, Sven, Big Al, Dan-O, The Kate and Little Frank; and his great grandchildren Nate, Cora Mae, Ella, and Molly June. 

 A private family gathering is planned.  In lieu of gifts or flowers, Frank would appreciate it if you would donate to your charity of choice. In his own words, his grandchildren would like to say, “Good show, DOGpa. Good show.”