Frank Edward McKenney

Frank Edward McKenney, age 97, passed away peacefully on April 1, 2026, just weeks before his 98th birthday. He was born on April 21, 1928, in El Dorado, Arkansas, and spent much of his life living and working in Searcy, Arkansas since 1952. Frank was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and proud veteran. He was preceded in death by his wife, Anita McKenney, with whom he shared many cherished years. He is survived by his two children, Travis McKenney and Sharon Hawk (Ken), who carry forward his legacy of strength, integrity, and dedication to family. He was a loving grandfather to three grandchildren: Paige Hawk Pace (Phillip), Kyly Hawk, and John Hawk (Zack), and one great grandchild Lily Pace. He has numerous cousins and extended family. He loved all of his family and friends profoundly. Frank served his country honorably as a member of the United States Army and a member of the Corp at Texas A & M where he played on the snare line, a tradition continued by his son and grandson. Following his military service, he finished his engineering degree at Louisiana Tech and received his Professional Engineering designation. Frank then built a successful career as an electrical engineer working for Arkansas Power and Light in the years before and after his work-related injury when he was 24. When he had his arm amputated, he recovered at the home of his Aunt Mildred Finkbeiner in Perryville where he became especially close with his cousin Albertine Potter and they have enjoyed many visits and trips to see each other in the last decade. After AP & L, he opened his first business in May of 1956 and was partners with TR Garner in Garner McKenney Ace Hardware on the square in Searcy. When they outgrew the building, he started McKenney Supply, which is still running with the leadership of Kent and Marie Jones who had worked for Frank since he was a teenager and is now the owner and close family friend. While running both Thermal Air and McKenney Supply, he worked with Lightle Beebe Rainey Bell as a consultant on unusual lawsuits and used his engineering skills to discover the cause of many fires, accidental deaths and more. Frank served his community as an active member of the Lion’s Club in the 1960’s, 70’s and 80’s. He was a long-time member of the Westside Church of Christ, previously having raised his children at the Downtown Church of Christ. Later he served on State Boards under Governor Mike Beebe, who he greatly admired. After retirement, he worked for the City of Searcy as the Code Officer full-time into his 80’s and kept his hand in all things Searcy. He continued later as a consultant for Hoffman Architectural with his close friends Barry and Lisa Hoffman. Frank received many awards and accolades throughout his life and most recently was the recognition by the International Association of Electrical Inspectors for his many years of service to the Arkansas Chapter in 2022. He was respected for his hard work, sharp mind, and commitment to excellence in all he did. The family would like to thank his caregivers Tina Garrison and Cait O’Dell who became family and also thank Jamie Goslin who was always a phone call away and whom he considered a second daughter and his personal medical expert. Frank will be remembered for his steady presence, his deep love for his family, and the values he instilled in those around him. His life was one of purpose, service, and quiet strength. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. Visitation will be held on Monday April 6th from 6-8 pm at Powell Funeral Home in Searcy and the Memorial Service will be Tuesday April 7th at 2 pm at the Westside Church of Christ also in Searcy. Interment will be private and at a later time. The family requests no flowers at Frank’s preference and asks that memorials go to one of the following: Harding University Latham Scholarship Fund, St. Jude’s Children’s hospital Memphis, AR Children’s Hospital LR or Louisiana Tech University class of 1950 Engineering Scholarship Fund in his name. Arrangements are entrusted with Powell Funeral Home of Searcy.

Frank Edward McKenney

April 21, 1928 - April 1, 2026