Terry Don McKinney

Terry Don McKinney died October 18, 2021 at age 67 from Covid-19 and stage 4 non small cell lung cancer. He was born September 10, 1954 to Retha and Gene McKinney in Dalhart, Texas. The 4th of 5 children, Terry always had a special place in his mother's heart. Besides being a very beautiful boy, he was also naturally gifted musically. Formally trained as a classical pianist, he taught himself to play bass and electric guitar as a teenager and enjoyed playing in many bands over the years. After graduating from Midland High in 1972, he moved to Vernal Utah to work in the oil field. He also worked at pipelining and made lifelong friends in that field. He married Deniel Peters on June 8, 1990 and together they raised 3 children and tended quite a few grandchildren, his greatest joy. Terry had a wonderful connection with children and would often be seen on the floor or outside playing with them at family gatherings, always teaching in the process.

Terry loved most all sports, but especially football and the Dallas Cowboys. He enjoyed golf, fishing, playing and composing music and even cooking and gardening in his later years. He was a well read history buff and quite an expert at telling jokes - in reality the art of storytelling. He would draw you in for what seemed like forever before delivering the punchline with precision timing.

Terry is preceded in death by his mother, Retha Wade McKinney, his father, William Eugene McKinney and brother-in-law, Randy Millecam. He is survived by his wife, Deniel McKinney, stepsons John Peters (Miranda) and Danny Peters (Makayla), daughter Rebecca Dawn McKinney; grandchildren Jayden Burke, Brooklyn Peters, Mya Seal, Dylan Peters, Zechariah McKinney, Janedaisy Peters, Daniel Peters and Jayla Peters; siblings Gina Meadows (Chris), Joe McKinney (Martha), Vicki McKinney, and Larry McKinney (Sunni); many nieces, nephews and their children as well.

Terry made so many friends in Vernal, his home of 49 years. He never wanted to live anywhere else. May he rest in peace both here and wherever the wind blows.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Stone Hollow Event Center, 1010 North Vernal Avenue on Friday, November 12 at 6:00 pm. Masks are required to attend the service, which will include an open mic session. There will be a buffet dinner after the service, followed by live music featuring the Massadona Band. If not vaccinated or immune by infection within the past 6 months, please wear a mask for your own protection as well as that of others. Terry was a firm believer in science and many attendees have risk factors. Kindness and consideration matter.

To share photos of Terry for the video compilation, please use the link https://www.tributeslides.com/up/10064374394231.

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