John "Wes" Wesley McKenney

John Wesley McKenney woke up in the arms of his Lord and Savior Saturday, September 7 at Grandvue Medical Care Facility in East Jordan MI. 

John (Wes) was born July 26, 1930 in Mt. Clemens MI to William and June (Fultz) McKenney.  Soon after his birth the family moved to West Branch MI which was John’s childhood home.  John graduated from Ogemaw Heights High School in 1947.  After high school, John proudly served his nation during the Korean War in the United States Marine Corps, attached to MAW2, squadron VMF(n)-533 Cherry Point NC.

After his military service John and his friend Norm Ritter won a gas station in a poker game and moved to Petoskey where he met and fell in love with Cynthia Reasoner an X-Ray technician at Little Traverse Hospital.  They were married on September 22, 1956 and settled down to raise their five children on Cynthia’s family farm. 

John worked in the area as a licensed plumber for Ballard’s Plumbing and Heating, Haley Plumbing and Heating, as well as working maintaince for Petoskey Public Schools.  In addition, he was also Plumbing Inspector for Bear Creek Township for 15 years. 

Wes was a faithful member of the Epsilon United Methodist Church and served the Lord as head of trustees, treasurer, and in many other capacities.  He also served the Lord through mission work in Guatemala. He served the Epsilon community as a charter member of the Springvale Township fire department for 20 years.   

John lived his life in quiet solitude, loving to be outdoors, gardening, working in the woods and spending time with his children and grandchildren on their 160-acre farm.

John was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years Cynthia, his parents, four brothers, William, Carl, Richard, Hugh McKenney and three sisters, Virginia Heisler, Maryellen McKenney, and Carol Ann Sting. 

John is survived by one brother, Roy Nathaniel McKenney, His children, Scott (Cynthia) McKenney, June (Kevin) Brott, Rev. Wayne (Sally) McKenney, David (Elsie) McKenney, Margo (Nathan) Bolduc, and nephews Jess Graham and George (Kristie) Graham, sister-in-law Ginny McKenney and many beloved nieces and nephews.    

John’s greatest love was for his Lord and his family.  He was the classic grandpa to eleven grandchildren, and two great grandsons, Shawn (Anna), Travis, Curtis, Keith, Wayne, Ford, Porche, Michelle, John, Kayla (Eric) Nerby, Cody (Emily), Patrick, Leif, and Margo’s cat Midge. His smile was infectious, and his lap was never too small for any child.  He will be missed by all who knew him and loved him.

A memorial service for John will be held on Friday, September 20, 2019 at Epsilon United Methodist Church.  Visitation will take place beginning at 10:00am with service to follow at 11:00am.  Memorials may be directed to Grandvue Terrace and Recreation Park Project. 

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