Class of 1911

Melvin Dean McKinney

September 19, 1891 – December 7, 1917


Melvin Dean McKinney was born September 19, 1891 at Hoxie Kansas, and died at his home in Perry, December 7, 1917, being 26 years, 2 months and 18 days old.

“Dean” as he was known in this community came to Perry at the time of the Strip Opening, 1893. He received his education in the Public schools and graduated from the High School in the class of 1911. After graduation he entered the employ of the Federal Government and had been in the Perry postoffice since as a letter carrier.

Dean united with the Presbyterian church July 3, 1904. He was a member of the Knights of Pythias which order attended the funeral in a body, accompanied the remains to the grave and conducted a beautiful ceremony at the cemetery. He was Record Keeper for the Maccabees and a member of the Third Regiment Band of this city.

About eight weeks prior to his death he was confined to his home by a severe attack of tonsilitis which developed into acute tuberculosis of the throat. He spent ten days in the Methodist Hospital at Guthrie, returned home and lived one day.

The funeral service was held at the Presbyterian church Sunday afternoon, Decemper 9th. Mrs. F. G. Moore. director of the choir, arranged the music. A quartet composed of Mesdames McCandless and Webber, Messrs. Munger and Hurt sang three beautiful pieces. Rev. Millard, the pastor, spoke on the ”Broken Circle,” emphasizing the reuniting “beyond the stars.” The floral tributes were many and the church was packed with sympathetic friends. The band escorted the procession from the house to the church and was the advance guard from the church to the C street bridge.

Dean was the only child of Melvin W. and Anna E McKinney and the entire city and countryside has expressed its sympathy in one way or another.