Donald B. McKenzie

Donald “Don” B. McKenzie, 93, of Kearney, passed away on Friday, February 23, 2024 at Brookstone Gardens in Kearney. Memorial Services will be at a later date. Please visit www.hlmkfuneral.com to leave a tribute or message of condolence. Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services of Kearney is in charge of arrangements. Donald Bystrom McKenzie "Donnie Mac" was born November 5, 1930 in Oberlin, KS, youngest child to Elmer and Ethel McKenzie. His childhood years were spent primarily in Oberlin and Alma, NE. He graduated from Alma High School in 1949. He served as class president , played trumpet in the marching band and was active in athletics. A story he loved to tell was that of him earning the moniker "Diminutive Jug of Jet Lightning" for his speed in football and track. He also excelled at baseball and even basketball! (roster height 5" 6"). He attended Kearney State College where he was a member of the Caledonian Fraternity and the marching band. He continued his education at the University of Nebraska College of Pharmacy graduating in 1955. Don served in the United States Army 46th Armored Infantry battalion from 1955-1957. Following his 2 years in the service he returned to Kearney. He married Roberta Jean "Bobbie" Holt on July 21, 1960 on a mountaintop in Central City, CO. Together they restored and lived in their Pioneer neighborhood home for 48 years. He was a devoted husband and father; and together they traveled for pleasure to Spain, Scotland and Alaska, and to hundreds of remote libraries and courthouses as they researched and compiled extensive family histories. Don served the community as part-owner and Pharmacist at ABC REXALL Drug in downtown Kearney for 25 years, retiring in 1985. He was a sports enthusiast, an avid golfer scoring several "holes in one"- even into his 70's. He was a frequent patron of the 19th hole at the Kearney Country Club. Don is also rumored to have played a few hands of poker. It is unclear whether all debts have been repaid to those he may have lost to over the decades. He rarely missed a track meet, football game, basketball game or band concert his children participated in. His children, Sandi and Kirk, were blessed with a loving, patient and ever-present father for every day of his 93 years. Donnie Mac was the quintessential grandfather. His 3 granddaughters reminisced: He was the most patient, gentle, kind and silly man. He was sweet, easy going and so loving. He made the best mashed potatoes (mostly with a lot of butter and criss-cross mashing). He kept us always entertained with his scatting and silly faces. In the summer we would shuck corn and he would fix up the old bikes with baskets and bells for our rides down to Pioneer Park. He loved Pasty Cline, Leann Rimes, John Phillips Sousa, Nat King Cole, the National Anthem (especially Whitney Houstons rendition), Battle Hymn of the Republic and every single Christmas Carol. He loved golf, peanut butter and talk radio more than anyone. We loved car rides in his Buick with the beaded seat covers where we listened to those cassettes. Don is survived by his son, Kirk McKenzie and wife Nicky of Omaha; his daughter, Sandi of Charleston, SC; granddaughter, Kari and husband Robert Griffin of Columbia SC, great grandchildren, Ellie, Bob and Ada; granddaughter, Molly and husband Timothy Tate of Colorado Springs, CO and great grandson, River; granddaughter, Sarah Jones of Charleston, SC. He was overjoyed to have met all 4 of his great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Roberta "Bobbie" McKenzie; his sister, Maxine McKenzie Ridgway and his parents Elmer and Ethel McKenzie.

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Donald B. McKenzie

November 5, 1930 - February 23, 2024