Derek Ryan McKinney

Derek Ryan McKinney, 37, went to be with our Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday, October 1, 2024. Preceded by his Grandma Barbara Brubaker, great grandparents Irene Lamond, Dorothy Neal, Matilda (Dot) Brubaker, and great aunt and uncle Harlan & Ruth Johnson, and his beloved dog Bear. 

Born in Topeka on May 14, 1987 to Craig A. and Jayme L. McKinney, Derek joined his two older sisters Dara (Myers) and Dawn (Membrino) in a childhood full of love, family gatherings, and simple fun. Always living life to its fullest, Derek was known to seek out and create unique experiences with his friends. He was a master of making people feel welcome, seen, and comfortable. Derek’s gift for bringing laughter to a room leaves many happy memories for those surviving his loss. His ability to bring people together, see big pictures, and work diligently led him to great academic and career experiences. A leader of his high school drum-line, Derek graduated from Shawnee Heights High School in 2006. He studied at Washburn University for a year before transferring to Kansas State University. In Manhattan Derek joined core friends from high school and made new ones as a brother in the Delta Upsilon fraternity. His experiences and education at K-State launched him into successful business opportunities. 

While accomplishing career goals, Derek found time to work on his adventurous bucket list which included skydiving, parasailing in the Alps, climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, and backpacking through Europe. He was known to have bumped into celebrities and buying them a drink for a moment of casual conversation. 

He is survived by parents Craig and Jayme (Brubaker) McKinney, his sisters, Dara (Bradon) Myers of Wichita, Kansas, Dawn (Kenny) Membrino of Topeka, his nieces and nephews, Grant and Portia Myers and Gage and Bailey Membrino, his maternal grandfather, Dewey (Marylie) Brubaker of Topeka and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 12, 2024 at Topeka Bible Church, 1101 SW Mulvane St. where the family will receive friends one hour prior to service time. Cremation will follow the service and private inurnment will take place in Memorial Park Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Midwest Transplant Network, 1900 W 47th Pl #400, Westwood, Kansas 66205. www.mwtn.org 

Dove Southeast Chapel, 2843 SE Minnesota Ave. is assisting the family with service arrangements.

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