"He was my inspiration for serving as mayor," former Pea Ridge mayor Mary (Rogers) Durand said of Fred McKinney, mayor of Pea Ridge in the 1950s. McKinney died Monday.
Fred McKinney, 94, served the city as mayor from 1955-1958 and as city recorder from 1959-1980. He helped establish the city's fire department and served as fire chief. McKinney served on the county School Board and the Pea Ridge School Board.
In 1940, McKinney started working at the store his father-in-law, Hugh Webb, began in 1936. His children and grandchildren have worked there over the years. The store, Webb Feed and Seed, began as a feed store and hatchery. He also bought black walnuts from area residents and sold them to Hammons. He was one of the longest suppliers of walnuts to Hammons.
"When he was mayor, my grandmother, he was the oldest child of my mom's family ... my grandmother was just elated," Durand recalled. "He's always been an inspiration as far as faith, family, politics and community."
McKinney was involved in city government, community events, agriculture and the poultry industry, current Mayor Jackie Crabtree said. "He carried on the family tradition with the business. What can you say about an individual who does all that?"
"He and John Easley were very instrumental in getting Pea Ridge what it is today," Crabtree said.
"With Fred's passing today, we've lost one of the pillars of the community. He and several others were the founding folks who got a lot of the things going today that we enjoy," Crabtree said. "How can you put into words what they've done for the community -- from serving as recorder/treasurer, mayor, businessman, volunteer fireman, involved in early days of chamber when the chamber was here years ago -- you name it and he's been involved in it.
"With the poultry industry in Northwest Arkansas, he was one of the key folks who got that going. There are probably very few folks in Northwest Arkansas and Pea Ridge whose lives he hasn't touched, whether they realize it or not."
McKinney also owned several farms and raised cattle. He served on the Booster Club and on various community organizations over the past 70 years.
Last year, in April, the McKinney's celebrated 70 years of marriage.
See page 3A for McKinney's obituary and page 8A for more about McKinney.
General News on 08/26/2015