PJ McKinney 1966-2021
PJ “Ttigwas” McKinney, 55, of Horton, passed away unexpectedly at Hiawatha Hospital on Monday, Dec. 6, 2021.
He was born Nov. 10, 1966, in Dallas, Texas, the son of John V. and Valburg “Val” Kay (Masquat) McKinney.
PJ graduated from Lawrence High School in 1985. In 1990 he proudly joined the U.S. Army from 1990-1993 with his lifelong friends, Wayne Thompson, Rusty Coffee, Darrell Blueback and his older brother, Little John McKinney, all serving their country together. He graduated from Haskell Indian Nations University in 1995 and Denver University in 2007 with his law degree.
He was an athlete, coach and scholar. He started playing baseball at a young age, first with the Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence. He was on a competitive travel league, starting in seventh grade through high school. He was a well sought-out baseball player and starred on the American Legion baseball teams.
PJ received a full-ride scholarship with Butler Community College for baseball. While serving in South Korea, he played on the 2nd Infantry Battalion Fast Pitch Traveling League. He coached the women’s softball team at Haskell. As much as he loved athletic sports including basketball, javelin, golf and fast-pitch softball; education was also important to him.
He was presently working for Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation as an accountant in Social Services. He also worked for Haskell Indian Nation University and Harrah’s Casino (now Prairie Band Casino).
He was a member of Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas and a descendant of Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation. He served on Kickapoo Tribal Council for two terms and was a member of Horton VFW Post 415.
PJ married Stacy Gaye (Moore) Zibell on Nov. 22, 1991; they later divorced.
Survivors include his son, Val McKinney of Holton; two daughters, Emily McKinney of Lawrence and Sarah Ortiz (Luis) of Topeka; a sister, Lori Howard of Lawrence; two brothers, John “Little John” McKinney and Logan McKinney, both of Horton; two grandchildren, Atrea and Meelo, and “one on the way.”
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Val McKinney; and a brother, Jay Shuckahosee.
He was a proud father, grandfather “misho” and uncle to many.
Private family services will be held at a later date. Mercer Funeral Home in Holton is in charge of arrangements.
Memorials may be given to The Boys and Girls Club of either Prairie Band Potawatomi or the Kickapoo Tribe of Kansas, sent in care of Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com
(PAID OBITUARY)
