MOHAWK/HERKIMER-Mr. Carlton L. "Tom" McKinney, age 80 of Erie Street, Mohawk formerly of Herkimer entered into eternal rest on Saturday afternoon, April 2, 2011 in Bassett Healthcare, Cooperstown. He was born on July 12, 1930 in Salisbury Center, son of the late Jefferson Davis and Viola Marie (Beauvois) McKinney and graduated with the Herkimer High Schools, "Class of 1948". He graduated from Mohawk Valley Community College with an A.A.S. degree in 1965. He resided in the Cold Brook and Hamilton areas at one time, coming to the Herkimer area in 1938. On March 10, 1957, Tom was united in marriage with Dorothy Bruso at the Herkimer Methodist Church with the Rev. Fred Cotnam, officiating. Their vows were blessed at a ceremony at St. Francis de Sales Church in Herkimer, in 1961. The couple enjoyed a loving and devoted union of 51 years until Mrs. McKinney's passing in 2009. Mr. McKinney was a proud Korean War Veteran and enlisted twice with the service. He first entered with the National Guard in 1947 until 1949. Then in 1949 he enlisted with the United States Army receiving an honorable discharge in 1952. Then in 1954 he re-enlisted with the Army being discharged in 1957; several years of heroic and devoted service to our country. He obtained the rank of Corporal having served with the 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Division. Mr. McKinney was proud of his country and more so of those who gave of themselves to protect it. A great source of satisfaction to him was to be surrounded by those who served, never missing a veteran function and was affiliated with several veterans' groups including: Herkimer Michael S. Pliseck VFW Post #4915 (life member-past post, county council, and district commander), later belonging to the Schuyler VFW Post #8728; Little Falls American Legion Post #31 (life member and elected officer); DAV General Herkimer Chapter #162 (life member and past commander); Korean War Veterans of America, Post #239(life member); Dads of Foreign Service Veterans, Post #244 (Past President, Post, State and National Level); Member-Chosen Few, 17th Infantry Regiment- Battle of Chosen Resovoir; and Member- American Vets Post #777 of Ilion. During his working life, Mr. McKinney was employed with Decision Data, Horsham, PA as a computer technician before being transferred from the former MDS Company and was proud to be their first employee, retiring in 1995 after several years of dedicated service. He was a communicant of the Church of the Annunciation, Ilion. Tom was a praiseworthy husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and his loved ones were the most important part of his life and considered his family as a cherished gift. His community was always very important to him. Tom loved catching up on War History and enjoyed reading but most of all being in the camaraderie of fellow Veterans. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends. He leaves his beloved family; two daughters: Michele Conklin and husband Mark of Ilion and Marcia McKinney and Phil Williams of Remsen; a son: Michael McKinney and wife Debra of Ilion; siblings: Leonard & Helen McKinney of GA, Gloria Bunce of Herkimer, Herbert & Beverly McKinney of Mohawk and Robert McKinney also of Mohawk; a brother in law: William Bruso, Jr. and wife Bea of Ilion and a sister in law: Violet Mainer of Frankfort; ten grandchildren: Amy and Ken Smith, Tami and Phil Wojik, Eric McKinney, April and Greg Bunt, Michael J. McKinney, Kelly Lynn Hurren, Justin McKinney, Krystal McKinney, Allyson McKinney, and Sean McKinney; five great grandchildren: Ty, Cooper, Brooke, Ruby and Abel; a Goddaughter: Barbara Rose; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Survivors also include his adored feline companions: Pudgy, Cinder, Pretty Lady and Calico. He was predeceased by a son: Sgt. Matthew McKinney and by his siblings: Walter McKinney, Mildred Lincourt and Dorothy Billman. Relatives and friends are invited to visitation at the Enea Family Funeral Home, 220 N. Washington St., Herkimer on Tuesday, April 5, 2011 from 5-8 p.m. Mr. McKinney's funeral will commence at 9:00 on Wednesday morning, April 6th from the funeral home where prayer will be offered and at 10 am from the Church of the Annunciation, West Street, Ilion where the Very Rev. Anthony Barratt, Pastor will celebrate his Mass of Christian Burial, assisted by Deacon James Bower. Following the Mass, military honors will be offered by the United States Army. Any veteran wishing to take part in the military honors ceremony are asked to gather outside the Annunciation Church on Wednesday morning at 10:15 am. A private graveside service will take place at the convenience of the family at Oak Hill Cemetery, Herkimer, later in the spring. All donations in Mr. McKinney's memory may be made to the VFW National Home for Widows and Children or to the Feed Our Vets Program of Utica; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Please omit floral offerings. The family has requested that because of the numerous veteran memberships that Mr. McKinney held, one service will be held at 7 p.m. at the funeral home on Tuesday in which any member of the above mentioned military organizations are invited to take part. The Ilion Elk's Lodge #1444 will conduct their service at 7:15 on Tuesday evening. A special thank you to the doctors, nurses and staff at Bassett Healthcare, Cooperstown, especially mentioning the Special Care Unit, 5th floor for their care and compassion. The staff went above and beyond to care to the needs of Tom and his family. Mr. McKinney's funeral arrangements were pre-arranged and entrusted to directors, Harry, Kevin and Daniel Enea. Those that may need a ride to the services may dial the funeral home at 866-1011.