Merlyn McKinney, age 87, of White, died Wednesday, August 11, 2010, at his home in White. Funeral services will be 10:30 A.M. Saturday, August 14, 2010, at United Methodist Church in White, with interment in Fairview Cemetery. Visitations will be from 4-7 P.M. Friday at Eidsness Funeral Chapel in White.

Merlyn Charles McKinney was born April 22, 1923, in Estelline, South Dakota, the son of Charles Cleveland and Olive Emma (Brandsrud) McKinney. Merlyn attended public schools in Deuel County, and then farmed with his family in the early years of his adult life.

On July 20, 1944, he married Myrtle Arlene Berndt at Brookings, South Dakota. They farmed in the White, South Dakota, area and moved into the city of White in 1979. He also did custom corn picking and shelling for a time. He continued to help his son on the family farm until his health failed.

Merlyn was a member of the United Methodist Church of White, South Dakota, served on Oak Lake Township Board, White Development Corporation, and a member of Odd Fellows Lodge. He enjoyed playing cards, bowling, golf, softball in his early years, dancing, and wood working. He also enjoyed pitching horseshoes and pitched in the World Tournament. He especially enjoyed his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Myrtle; three sons: Loren (Kathy) of White, South Dakota, Richard (Lanny) of Brandon, South Dakota, and Charles (Janice) of White; 10 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; two step-grandchildren; six step-greatgrandchildren; two brothers: Eugene (Norma) McKinney of White, and James (Mae) McKinney of Brandon; and a brother-in-law, Clinton (Ruth) Berndt of White. He was preceded in death his parents; one daughter, Arlene Pickard; his mother and father-in-law, Conrad and Lucy Berndt; one grandchild; one great-grandchild; and one step-great grandchild.