September 10, 1933 – May 18, 2024
Donald L. McKinsey, 90, Wilkinson, Ind., passed away on May 18, 2024, at Hancock Regional. He enjoyed a rewarding life, secured by his devoted family’s love and gratitude. He was born in Hamilton County on September 10, 1933, to the late Cheever G. McKinsey and Ruth (Reed) Gascho.
Don was raised on his family’s farm near Cicero. His parents divorced when he was just three years old. In spite of this and other adversities as a child, Don graduated early from high school and grew remarkably as a young adult through self-discipline. He discovered how fruitful life could be if he worked in earnest.
Don moved to Anderson as an adult, at first sharing tenancy with best friend, Raymond Coy. Ultimately Raymond (with wife Lena) introduced Don to his future bride, Miss Bonnie Kerry, formerly of Butler County, Pa. Don and Bonnie married in 1957, sharing 62 years mainly in the Wilkinson area until 2019, when Bonnie passed away.
Donald worked at Guide Lamp in Anderson for over 42 years, retiring in 1996. Thereafter he became very active in OEM auto parts specializing in rare spark plugs of every variety. This pastime bestowed on him a top-ranked reputation across the U.S. for two decades by collectors.
Donald is survived by son, Barry (Kristina) McKinsey of Greenfield; two daughters, Tawnya Ashley (Carlo Moore) and Denise (Daniel) Stone, both of Anderson; four grandchildren, Sharla (Jordan) Matthews, Benjamin (Joanna) Ashley, Kenda (Nitin) Bhatia, and Jeremiah “Jace” Ashley; five great-grandchildren; sister, Linda Jones of Indianapolis; sister-in-law, Brenda Gascho of Noblesville; nephew, Scott (Keri) Gascho; niece, Melody (Jonathon) Harvey; and his beloved dog, Dutchess.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Bonnie; son, Cory Ross McKinsey; brother, Herbert Gascho, Jr.; and nephew, John M. Gibbs.
Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, May 31, 2024, at Condo & St. Pierre Funeral Home, 130 S. Main St., Wilkinson, Ind. Services will begin at noon on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at the funeral home with burial thereafter at McCray Cemetery. Pastor Gary Cable will officiate.
In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial contribution to the Hancock County Humane Society.
Condolences: stpierrefamilyfuneral.com