Obituary of Franklin McKinley

Sedan - Franklin "Bud" McKinley, age 79, of Cedar Vale, Kansas passed on in his home on Saturday, November 19, 2011. He was born on May 31, 1932 in Rayville, Louisiana to John and Beulah (Wallace) McKinley. He was raised near Monroe, Louisiana where he attended and graduated from the local high school. After his graduation he enlisted in the United States Air Force serving his country from 1951 to 1955 when he was honorably discharged. On June 5, 1960 he married Patricia Ann Howell in Howard, Kansas. They made their first home in Howard, Kansas where he studied and became an auctioneer and later moved to Fort Worth, Texas. They relocated to Arkansas City where they attended Cowley College and he was an assistant football coach for Ben Cleveland. They eventually settled in Cedar Vale in 1973. He did many things in his life including participating in rodeos where he clowned and judged, bulldogged and calf roped, broke and shod horses, and had a cattle operation for the past 30 years. One of his most proud achievements was his participation in 1959, at the World Championship Rodeo in Madison Square Garden in New York City. He was a member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, and the Carter Rader Post #149 American Legion in Howard, Kansas. He enjoyed going to the coffee shop in town, talking with his friends, gardening, anything outdoors, and offering advice to his loved ones. He was preceded in death by one brother, one sister, and his parents. He is survived by his wife Patricia Ann McKinley; two sons, John H. McKinley and Billy R. McKinley DVM; one daughter Mary R. McKinley all of Cedar Vale, Kansas; one sister, Joy Dell Crow of Bastrop, Louisiana; seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Cremation has taken place and a Memorial Gathering will take place at the Cedar Vale High School on Saturday, November 26th, 2011 at 2pm. In lieu of flowers and gifts the family suggests a donation to the local Chautauqua County 4H Scholarship Fund. Any mail can be sent to 965 Rd 2, Cedar Vale, Kansas, 67024.