BUTLER COUNTY, KANSAS

Obituaries


Thomas Benton McKinney

T. B. McKINNEY

Thomas Benton McKinney--aged 105--died in Wichita early last Thursday morning.  He was one of the oldest residents in Kansas.

Mr. McKinney had lived in El Dorado for 33 years--a full third of a century.  Two years ago, he moved to Wichita to spend his final days at the home of a grandson.

He was a popular figure in El Dorado.  During his long residence here, he had formed many fast friendships and was held in high general regard for the excellence of his character.

His wife and all their ten children had long ago preceded him in death.  He left, however, a fine flock of grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

He was sensible and of good spirit in his great age--and his death is widely mourned.
(El Dorado Times ~ 7 July 1964)

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T. B. McKinney Passes at Age 105

Thomas Benton McKinney, (T. B.) for many years an El Doradoan and one of Kansas' oldest residents, passed away July 2, 1964 at 2232 Jackson, Wichita, at the age of 105 years.  He was born January 11, 1859 at Houston, Missouri and formerly had lived in El Dorado for thirty-five years, coming here from Belvidere, Kans.  Following the death of his wife, in March, 1927, he had made his home with a daughter and her family, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Doerflinger, 817 N. Gordy.

Mr. McKinney, in his active years, was a farmer and through the several years of retirement he continued to tend a garden near his home which was the pride and joy of the Doerflinger family and indeed the surrounding neighborhood.  He remained quite active until about twelve months ago when he became ill.  He retained a keen interest in life about him and was well informed on local and world affairs.  Mr. McKinney was an interesting conversationalist and willingly granted interviews each year as he proceeded along his lengthy path of life.

Thomas Benton McKinney was the son of David and Elizabeth McKinney.  He was married to Malissa Shipman April 14, 1881, in Gasconde County, Mo.  They were the parents of 10 children, none of whom survive.  However some forty grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren and several great-great grandchildren revere the memory of a beloved grandparent.  El Dorado relatives are Mrs. Frances Kiplinger, 1352 Douglas Road, a granddaughter; and Mrs. Bartley Hogoboom, route one, a great-granddaughter.  Since 1962 he had made his home in Wichita with a grandson, Howard E. Doerflinger.  But upon becoming seriously ill was confined to a rest home nearby, where his death occurred.  He was a member of the First Baptist Church.

Dietz-Pittman Funeral Home was in charge of funeral arrangements with services held in their Colonial Chapel, Monday morning, July 6, at 10 o'clock.  The Rev. David McCracken officiated.  Mrs. Amos Marsh was organist and vocalist Emzy Oakes of Wichita sang, "The Old Rugged Cross" and "Beyond the Sunset."  The casket bearers were Ralph Lewis, Fred Doerflinger, Howard Jr. "Bud" Doerflinger, Wichita; Paul Rogers, Bartley Hogoboom and Bob Doerflinger, El Dorado.  Interment was at Walnut Valley Memorial Park Cemetery.
(El Dorado Times ~ 9 July 1964)