Mark Allen McKinney

Mark McKinney, a loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle, friend, colleague, and sports fan passed away on July 23, 2024 in Naperville, IL at the age of 55. Mark's favorite teams were the Dallas Cowboys and the St. Louis Cardinals. Marilyn, nee Voyles and Gary McKinney of Decatur, IL inspired his loyalty to the Cowboys and Cardinals beginning on June 4, 1969.

Mark earned two Bachelor's Degrees from the University of Illinois Springfield, one in History and the other in Biology, and he also earned GISP certification. Mark served as the Natural Resource and Collections Manager at the Morton Arboretum. With his team, he made a difference in this world by restoring the land to its beautiful natural habitat and was loved by his colleagues. He enjoyed engaging in conversations about the flora and fauna, especially while walking through the Schulenberg prairie, Crataegus, and the East Woods.

Mark had a zealous love of music and was an encyclopedia of music knowledge. He especially enjoyed going to Grateful Dead concerts with his best friend Tod, as well as jamming out at hundreds of other concerts with wife, family and friends. Music was his muse, and he was proud of his extensive music collection.

Mark enjoyed spending time with his family, laughing around his parents; his Aunt Sandy Voyles; his brother, Eric (Michelle) McKinney; and his sister, Marleah McKinney-Buckley (Chad Buckley). He was a cool Uncle Mark to his four sweet nieces: Jensyn (Drake) Watznauer, Hannah (Aaron) Hanrahan, Maya McKinney and Katie Chapman.

Mark was an amazing father to three precious children, Sierra McKinney, Raven (Justin) McKinney, and Jack McKinney. There was an endearing side of Mark, with a sparkle in his eyes when he was around his kids. He was so proud when both of his daughters, Raven and Sierra, graduated from the University of Illinois Champaign with Bachelor’s Degrees in Animal Science. Jack was his "best bud", and they enjoyed riding in the Kia Soul, everything Star Wars, and building legos.

Mark was a charming and beloved husband to his wife, Rachael Jones. They were an unstoppable team, putting family above all else. They enjoyed cooking together, listening to music, and dancing in the kitchen. He always sent her pictures of the native flowers at the Arb, especially her favorite, Dutchman's breeches.

Mark was preceded in death by his father, Gary McKinney and his brother, Kevin McKinney.

Please join in a Celebration of Life at the Morton Arboretum Firefly Pavilion, 4100 IL-53, Lisle, IL 60532 from 9am-12noon on Saturday, July 27, 2024. Guests are welcome to enter through the Main Gate and follow signs to the Firefly Pavilion.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the McKinney Children Memorial Fund at Naperville Bank and Trust, 1205 S Naper Boulevard, Naperville, IL 60540.