Lawrence Lathan McKinley, 66, Atchison, Kansas known to loved ones and friends as “Turtle” passed away on January10, 2018.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, January 17, 2018 at 10:30 A.M. at Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home. Interment will follow at 12:30 P.M. in Leavenworth National Cemetery, Leavenworth, Kansas. Visitation will be Wednesday, January 17th from 9:00 A.M. until 10:30 A.M. at the funeral home. Online condolences may be left at www.arensbergpruett.com.

Lawrence was born on January 26, 1951 in Atchison, Kansas to Arthur Lathan McKinley and Myrtle Margaret Bratton McKinley.

During his childhood years, Lawrence attended Martin East Elementary School. He grew up as a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church where he was baptized by Reverend Harry L. Smith at the age of 11. He also attended Atchison Jr. High School and Atchison Sr. High School. Lawrence was an astute student, and excelled in science, math, and electronics courses. He also participated in both the marching band and the concert band at the Jr High and Sr. High School, where he played trumpet. Lawrence and his Sr High concert band performed with renowned trumpeter, Doc Severinsen.

After graduating from Atchison Sr High School in 1969, he enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served for 4 yrs. Upon discharge from the Navy, Lawrence took college courses at Highland Community College, while at the same time, served on the Atchison Police Department.

Lawrence’s interests included cooking, fishing, and spending time with his grandkids. He was also an avid reader and enjoyed listening to music and playing board games.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, as well as a sister, Belva Lee McKinley Hullum, a brother, Keith Leo McKinley, a granddaughter, Amgela Sheri Green, and a grandson, Sagione McKinley.

Lawrence is survived by Doris McKinley of Horton, KS, a daughter, Cheroki McKinley of Denver, CO., and a sister, Diane Bratton of Kansas City, MO. Lawrence will also be missed and remembered fondly by 3 stepsons and 3 stepdaughters whose lives he took an active role in: Dawn McKay (Charles), Jacquelene Bolling, Demetrius Ross (Christine), Jacques Ross (Kathryn), Johann “Joe” Ross, and Toyya Ross. As well as 14 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

Lawrence will always be lovingly known as a man, who through marriage, accepted and helped to raise 6 kids and as “Grandpa Turtle”, who loved on the little ones at times in their lives when they needed it the most.

I Corinthians 15:51-57

51 Lo! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.