Lynn G. McKinnis

Death of Lynn McKinnis, Prominent Local Businessman, Early This Morn Comes as Shock to Entire Community

One of Lusk's most highly respected businessmen, Lynn G. McKinnis, bulk station agent for the Standard Oil company in this city, passed away at 1:10 a.m. today (Thursday, February 4th) at the Lusk hospital. Death was attributed to an unusual form of peritonitis following an appendectomy performed last Friday night.

The announcement of Mr. McKinnis' death this morning cast a shadow of sorrow over the community and came as a shock to almost everyone. Ordinarily enjoying good health, he was taken violently ill last Friday and immediately removed to the hospital where the emergency surgery was performed without delay. He had rallied slightly for several days, but a change for the worse came early last evening, and this was followed by a quick but definite decline.

The decedent is survived by his wife, Madge, and one son, Earl, who is with the U.S. Armed forces at Camp Crowder, Mo.; two brothers, Clifford McKinnis, of St. Louis, Mo., and William Moyer of San Diego, Calif.; and one sister, Mrs. Margaret Barber, who resides in Omaha, Nebr. His parents preceded him in death, his mother passing away in November, 1942.

All relatives have been notified and word is being awaited from them before funeral arrangements will be completed. The son, Earl, it was learned by telegraph will arrive here Friday afternoon. It is probable that last rites will be conducted Sunday afternoon, although this was not confirmed at a late hour this (Thursday) afternoon.

Mr. McKinnis was born at Tecamah, Nebr., on August 14, 1891, and at the time of death had reached the age of 51 years, 5 months and 21 days. Reared in Nebraska, he served in the U. S. Army during World War I, and shortly after receiving his discharge, moved to this city. For two years he was employed by the Men's Toggery, then went to Lance Creek where he worked for the Argo Oil company several years. Thirteen years ago he took over the agency of the Standard Oil company bulk station here and was engaged in that business at the time of his death.

He was a past commander of Derk J. Wieten Post No. 4, American legion, and also a past master of Harmony Lodge No. 24, A.P. & A.M. of this city.

The Lusk Herald
February 4, 1943
McKinnis Dies Today

Lynn G. McKinnis passed away early this morning (Thursday) at the Lusk hospital, following an operation for acute appendicitis.

Mr. McKinnis was taken suddenly ill last Friday morning and the surgery was performed that same afternoon. Although the appendix had not ruptured, steptococcus peritonitis set in and Mr. McKinnis died at 1:15 this morning. Dr. Morad of Casper was called into consultation yesterday afternoon.

Born in Tekamah, Nebr., Mr. McKinnis spent most of his early life at that place. He was fifty-one years of age in August of this year. Enlisting in the army, Mr. McKinnis saw service in the first World War.

After his discharge from the Army, together with Mrs. McKinnis, he came to Wyoming. For several years he was in the clothing business in Lusk, in partnership with H. L. Joiner. He was then employed by the Argo Oil Company at Lance Creek. For some time he has operated the Standard Bulk Station here.

Mr. McKinnis was a Past Master of Harmony Masonic Lodge, Past Commander of Derk J. Weiten Post, American Legion and a member of the Niobrara County Draft Board.

He is survived by his wife, Madge, and one son Earl, who is in service in the army at Camp Crowder, Mo. and a number of other relatives. Earl was contacted by telephone last night and is on his way home at this time.

No funeral arrangements have as yet been made awaiting arrival of relatives.

The Lusk Herald
February 11, 1943
Large Crowd Attends Rites For McKinnis

Friends and relatives from far and near gathered last Sunday afternoon at the Peet Mortuary to pay final tribute to Lynn G. McKinnis, who passed away in Lusk on February 4th, following an illness of less than a week.

Services at the mortuary were conducted by the Rev. Millard H. Marshall, pastor of the Congregational church. At the cemetery, services were in charge of Harmony Lodge No. 24, A.F.& A.M. Comrade members of Derk J. Weiten Post No. 4, American Legion performed the flag ceremony and a firing squad from the Lusk Home Guard gave the final salute, Otto Klemke sounding taps.

Old friends were chosen as pall bearers and included Charles Scace, Glen Cates, A. B. Mills, Hans Gautschi, W. A. Sawyer, Earl Criss and Walter Gregory. A quartet composed of George Kuns, Gerald Bardo, Palmer Watson and Dell Howe, sang two hymns, accompanied by Mrs. J. P. Watson.

Mr. McKinnis is survived by his wife, Madge, and one son, Earl who is serving with the Army at Camp Crowder, Mo., and who was given a furlough as soon as word of the serious illness of his father reached him; two brothers, Clifford McKinnis of St. Louis, Mo., and William Moyer of San Diego, Calif.; and one sister, Mrs. Margaret Barber of Omaha, Nebr.

Reminiscing on events in the life of Mr. McKinnis, friends recall that when he was sixteen years old, he was awarded a medal by the "American Boy" magazine for heroism in the rescue of a small girl from a deep well. The accident happened on a farm near the family home at Tekamah, Nebr. Margaret Canfield, 5 years old, fell into a deep well containing 10 feet of water. Upon hearing cries for help Mr. McKinnis slid down the pipe of the well and held the little girl's head above water until rescuers appeared and saved them both.

Always active in community affairs, Mr. McKinnis was a member of the Niobrara County Draft Board, past master of the local masonic Lodge, and past commander of the American Legion.

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