Roll Call Tribute

Colleen Claire McKinney 

January 20, 1952 - January 28, 2024 

Colleen Claire McKinney, 72, of Keller, Texas, passed away January 28, 2024, after a long illness.

Colleen was born on January 20, 1952, to Roger and Irene McKinney at Kindly Air Force Base in Bermuda. As an Air Force dependent, she resided in many states including Florida, Hawaii, Oklahoma, and Texas. The family landed in Houston where Colleen graduated from Sterling High school in 1970, and went to Texas A&M University graduating in 1974, with a degree in Microbiology. After graduation, She worked at Texas Children’s Hospital in the Infectious Disease Department which included working with “David the Boy in The Bubble”. She went back to school and earned a second BS in Chemical Engineering from the University of Houston and was hired by ARCO.

During her tenure with ARCO she worked in their chemical division in Houston before transferring to ARCO Oil & Gas in Anchorage, Alaska, to work for several years and even talked to her sister, Valerie, into moving up there, too. A good time was had by all. “What happens in Alaska stays in Alaska”. Colleen’s last transfer with ARCO was back to Texas in the DFW area. She took early retirement from ARCO and went on to new adventures. An opportunity with the Bureau of Engraving and Printing as their Environmental Engineer was her next endeavor, Colleen stayed at the BEP until she retired in 2014.

Animals were always a big part of Colleen‘s life from Prince the boxer in Hawaii to the cats; Jezebel, Sampson and Delilah in Houston. As a teenager, she enjoyed riding, training, and showing her two horses, King and Casey. She even participated in the Houston Rodeo Trail Ride with her brother, Michael, but she ended up calling mom and dad to come get her after the first night. She decided that was way too dirty. While in Alaska she purchased two Weimaraners, Marta and Greta plus her first English Cocker Spaniel, Tess. This is where her long history of dog showing, obedience training and breeding began. Through the years she acquired several more English Cockers which she showed in conformation and obedience, winning numerous awards and grand championships. However, her rheumatoid arthritis made it difficult for her to continue to groom the English Cockers so she gradually transitioned to Pugs. She continued to be successful in the show ring. Her last dog Olivia, a pug, is still kicking at 14 years old.

When Colleen wasn’t busy with the dogs, she enjoyed sewing, crafting and reading. She sewed her sisters wedding dress, along with numerous large intricate quilts. She was also an avid reader; she always had a book wherever she went, and particularly enjoyed historical biographies. Colleen’s family was important to her, especially her nieces and nephews, who she loved very much and they loved her. Colleen allowed one of her nieces Kathryn to live with her during her summer breaks while she worked internships with companies in the DFW area. Her other niece Meagan moved from Cleveland, OH to live with Colleen as she recovered from a severe illness and needed help for several months. Colleen was like their second mother. She was always there if they needed her. Fifteen years ago Colleen was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. During her treatment, she became very ill due to the reaction of Rheumatoid Arthritis, compromised Immune System to chemotherapy. During her recovery she acquired a Mycobacterium Lung Infection, which doctors were never able cure. It progressively caused her death.

Colleen was preceded in death by her parents Roger Himrod McKinney and Irene Bergeron McKinney.

She is survived by her brother Michael P. McKinney and Sister-in-law Caroline Kalkhoff-Mckinney, sister Valerie I. Crowley (McKinney), and brother-in-law Allen L. Crowley. Nieces; Meagan E. Wysor (Crowley), Kathryn C. Crowley, Casey M. Crowley. Nephews; Christopher R. McKinney, Scott A. McKinney, Sean PA. Crowley and Drew A. Crowley. Plus three Great Nephews; Ian A. Levesque-McKinney, Dylan E. McKinney and Reyson C. Wysor.

A Celebration of Colleen’s Life will be held March 2, 2024 from 3pm–5pm. 

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her name to the American Kennel Club, Canine Health Foundation at akcchf.org or to your local rescue organization in Colleen’s name.