Darwyn Eugene "Gene" McKinnis, 73, died Friday, July 16, 2021, at his home in Waterloo.

Gene was born in Berkeley, California on March 10, 1948 to Everett and Ruth Bluford McKinnis. Gene graduated from Columbus High School, Waterloo, Iowa. Upon high school graduation, he received a Bachelor's and a Master's degree from Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, and an Educational Specialist Degree from The University of Iowa. After graduation from college, Gene began his work career as a teacher at the Iowa Training School for Boys, Eldora, IA. He later transferred to the Iowa Department of Human Services and worked as a social worker in several communities until his retirement. Gene married Susan Miller in 1976; they later divorced. However, their marriage was blessed by the births of two sons. Brandon McKinnis and Aaron McKinnis.

Gene is survived by his sons, Brandon (Brittany) McKinnis and Aaron McKinnis; five grandchildren, Kevie McKinnis, Urijah McKinnis, Carter McKinnis, Kaia McKinnis and Kairo McKinnis all of Davenport, Iowa. Gene is also survived by his brother, Keith (Michelle) McKinnis, of Davenport Iowa, a stepsister, Glennis (Kenneth) Wyatt, of Centennial, Colorado; two stepbrothers, Dennis (Paula) Anderson, of Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, and James Anderson, of Tampa, Florida; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Gene was preceded by his parents, a half-brother, Kenneth McKinnis of Bronx, New York, a stepbrother, Carl Anderson, and a stepsister, Valerie Anderson.